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All wisdom comes from the Lord, and is with him forever.
Verse 1. Wisdom. In this book, Wisdom is taken for the Deity, the Son, or the gift communicated to men. Proverbs 3:19. Wisd. 7:25. Calmet.
Who can count the sand of the seas, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity?
Who will search out the height of the sky, the breadth of the earth, the deep, and wisdom?
Verse 3. God. This is eternal and unsearchable, more than the sand of the sea, and so forth Isaiah 40:12. Bible.—Man cannot comprehend God’s works. Worthington.
Wisdom has been created before all things, and the understanding of prudence from everlasting.
Verse 4. Created. Or “generated,” if it be understood of the Son. Saint Athanasius Bos.—The wisdom which is given to man, was in God before the creation. Proverbs 8:22. Calmet.—The decree regarding the incarnation was from eternity. Menochius.
To whom has the root of wisdom been revealed? Who has known her shrewd counsels?
There is one wise, greatly to be feared, sitting upon his throne: the Lord.
He created her. He saw and measured her. He poured her out upon all his works.
Verse 9. In the Holy Ghost, or from himself. See Wisd. 1:5 and 7:22. Greek omits these words. Calmet.
She is with all flesh according to his gift. He gave her freely to those who love him.
The fear of the Lord is glory, exultation, gladness, and a crown of rejoicing.
Verse 11. Joy. Eternal glory is the fruit of the fear of the Lord; not that this virtue sufficeth, but it is the beginning, grounded on true faith, and bringeth forth other virtues, and fruits of the Holy Ghost, and a joyful crown in the end. Worthington.—The virtuous enjoy or deserve honour. Calmet.
The fear of the Lord will delight the heart, and will give gladness, joy, and length of days.
Whoever fears the Lord, it will go well with him at the last. He will be blessed in the day of his death.
To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It was created together with the faithful in the womb.
She laid an eternal foundation with men. She will be trusted among their offspring.
Greek nested.
To fear the Lord is the fullness of wisdom. She inebriates men with her fruits.
Verse 16. Womb. Grace has prevented them. Bible.—They are free from evil dispositions. Wisd. 8:19. Job 31:18.—Women; feminis, or rather seminis. Calmet.—Greek “it shall be intrusted to their seed.” Bible.—“His mercy is fixed with their seed.” Syr. Menochius.—This includes both men and women.
She will fill all her house with desirable things, and her storehouses with her produce.
Verse 17. Religiousness, or proper application of knowledge. Bible.—A learned impious man is most dangerous. This and the two next verses are not in Greek.
The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish.
Greek health of cure.
The remainder of this verse is omitted by the best authorities: Both are gifts of God for peace; glory opens out for those who love him. He saw her and took her measure.
He both saw and measured her. He rained down skill and knowledge of understanding, and exalted the honor of those who hold her fast.
To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom. Her branches are length of days.
Unjust wrath can never be justified, for his wrath tips the scale to his downfall.
A man that is patient will resist for a season, and afterward gladness will spring up to him.
He will hide his words until the right moment, and the lips of many will tell of his understanding.
A wise saying is in the treasures of wisdom; but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.
If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments and the Lord will give her to you freely;
for the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction. Faith and humility are his good pleasure.
Verse 27. Sin, by vigilance or by repentance.
Don’t disobey the fear of the Lord. Don’t come to him with a double heart.
Don’t be a hypocrite in men’s sight. Keep watch over your lips.
Verse 29. To him, as may be seen in the lives of the patriarchs.
Don’t exalt yourself, lest you fall and bring dishonor upon your soul. The Lord will reveal your secrets and will cast you down in the midst of the congregation, because you didn’t come to the fear of the Lord and your heart was full of deceit.