Sirach 18

Verse 1. Together, as to their substance, though they received different forms successively, as Moses relates. Both writers are divinely inspired. Saint Augustine de Gen. ad Lit. iv. 33. Worthington. Saint Thomas Aquinas i. p. 974. a. 2.—Some suppose that all things were really formed in an instant, and that the order described by Moses is only as we should conceive it. Cajet.—This passage only means that God alone was the creator both of the sun and of man, and without him nothing was made, (John 1. Psalms 32:15) as he gave existence to all, κοινη, “in common.” Calmet.—And he. Greek “and there is no other besides him who steers the world with the palm of his hand. And all things obey his will;; for he is king of all, in his might, separating what is holy among them from the profane. (2.) He has enabled no one to,” and so forth Bible.

Verse 5. Added. The works speak for themselves, though man be silent. Calmet.

Verse 6. Begin. God is so great and incomprehensible, that when an has done all that he can to find out his greatness and boundless perfections, he is still to begin: for what he has found out, is but a mere nothing, in comparison of his infinity. Challoner.—It is best to adore him in silence and humility. Calmet.

Verse 7. Grace. Greek “utility.” Bible.—Evil. What can man do for or against God? Job 22:3. Psalms 15:2.

Verse 8. Years. Seneca fixes on the same number; (Brev. Vitæ. 3.) Macrobius on seventy, for the life of man; which nearly agrees with the author of Psalms 89:10. Bible.—It seldom happens that people exceed 70, or 100 years. But what is this compared with eternity? Calmet.—Greek “a hundred years are many … so are a thousand years in the day of the age,” or of αιωνος, eternity. Bible. Psalms 89:4 and 2 Peter 3:8.

Verse 9. Them. Human misery calls forth God’s pity. Calmet.

Verse 12. Flesh. It is infinite and disinterested. Man assists his neighbour expecting a recompense, and remembering that he may be distressed.

Verse 14. Judgments. To execute his orders. Here ends the discourse begun chapter 14:22. Calmet.

Verse 15. Complaint. Greek “reproach.” Bible.—The manner of giving, enhances the value of the gift, or even surpasses it. Calmet.

Super omnia vultus

Accessere boni, nec iners pauperque voluntas. Met. 8.

Verse 20. Medicine. This is more requisite and easy to do in the maladies of the soul, which are brought on by our own fault. Principiis obsta. Calmet.—Mercy. Greek, “propitiation in the hour of visitation,” ( Bible.) or punishment. Calmet.

Verse 21. Sick. Rom. Greek adds, “by abstinence, and in the time of sins, manifest a conversion.” Bible.—If we take precautions to avoid illness, why should we neglect the concerns of our soul?—Conversation, or good conduct.

Verse 22. Always. These admirable maxims seem copied from the gospel. Lu. 18:1. Calmet.—The same spirit dictated all the Scriptures. Bible.—Those pray always who neglect not this duty at proper times, and are always resolved to do so. Saint Augustine ep. 121. q. ad Prob. Worthington.—Greek “be not hindered from performing thy vow in good time, and wait not to be justified, ( Bible.) or to put it in execution till death. Deuteronomy 23:21. Before thou takest a vow,” and so forth Examine well if thou intend to perform it. Calmet.

Verse 23. God. Can we expect that he will hear what we do not ourselves? To approach his majesty, without repentance and attention, is presumptuous. We must ask God to open our lips, and do what lies in us. Trid. Calmet.

Verse 24. Face, saying to the reprobate, Depart, and so forth Calmet. 7:40. Matthew 25:41. Bible.

Verse 25. Riches. By their good use, lay up a treasure in heaven, and be always humble. Calmet. 11:27.

Verse 26. God. All things continually change. Calmet.—Rotam volubili orbe versamus. Boet. cons. 2.—Reflect on Aman and Mardochai. Calmet.

Quem dies vidit veniens superbum,

Hunc dies vidit fugiens jacentem. Sen. Thyeste.

Verse 27. Thing. Mindful of the reverse of fortune. Calmet. 11:30. Proverbs 28:14. Calmet.—Sloth, and repent. Greek adds, “the fool will not observe the season.” Bible.

The remainder of this verse is omitted by the best authorities.

Verse 28. Her. It is a rare thing to discern and give due praise to merit. Calmet.

Verse 29. And judgments. Greek “full of accuracy.” Some add the title “restraint of the soul.” Bible.

Verse 31. Enemies. This motive will make the most impression on those who are slaves to their passions. Calmet.

Or, a rejoicing to

Verse 32. Small. Lit. “nor in those which are small.” Bible.—Composed of the meanest citizens. Quarrels and sin are there almost inevitable. Calmet.—Greek “rejoice not in high living; nor beg for its symbol,” ( Bible.) or feast, in which each person contributed his share, συμβολη, as the next verse implies. Calmet.—Symbolum dedit, cænavit. Ter. And.

The remainder of this verse is omitted by the best authorities.