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Have they made you ruler of a feast? Don’t be lifted up. Be among them as one of them. Take care of them first, and then sit down.
Verse 1. Ruler. Or king of the feast, alluding to an ancient custom. Esther 1:8. Calmet.—Nec regna vini sortiere talis. Hor. Athen. Dipn. Plut. Symp. i. q. 14.—Humility is most requisite for those in power, and it is most difficult to contemn vain honours, when enjoyed. Saint Gregory pastor. Worthington.
And when you have done all your duties, take your place, that you may be gladdened on their account, and receive a wreath for your good service.
Speak, you who are older, for it’s your right, but with sound knowledge; and don’t interrupt the music.
Verse 3. Contribution, towards the feast, ( Menochius.) or company. This sentence is not in Greek “rejoice on their account, and for the excellent disposition, mayst receive a corner.” Bible.
Don’t pour out talk where there is a performance of music. Don’t display your wisdom at the wrong time.
As a ruby signet in a setting of gold, so is a music concert at a wine banquet.
Verse 5. Music. Which usually accompanied the meals of the rich. Hor. ii. ode 11.—“A lyre is handed round, on which each one plays. When Themistocles confessed that he knew not how, he was deemed deficient.” indoctior. Tusc. i. Quint. i.
As an emerald signet in a work of gold, so is musical melody with pleasant wine.
Verse 6. Words. Some Greek copies have, “where there is a concert, pour,” and so forth Calmet.—And be. Greek “and utter not wise sayings out of season.”
Speak, young man, if you are obliged to, but no more than twice, and only if asked.
Verse 7. Wine was not used at all meals. Calmet.—After they were ended, the pagans sung in honour of Bacchus, or of great mane. Plut. Sym.—But the Jews directed their hymns to God. Matthew 26:30. Philo, Contemp.
Sum up your speech, many things in few words. Be as one who knows and yet holds his tongue.
When among great men, don’t behave as their equal. When another is speaking, don’t babble.
Verse 9. Hear. Greek (10.) “young man speak if there be wanted of thee; scarcely twice if thou be asked. Sum up thy speech, much in few words. Be knowing and still silent. (11.) In the,” and so forth Bible.
Lightning speeds before thunder. Approval goes before one who is modest.
Rise up in good time, and don’t be last. Go home quickly and don’t loiter
Amuse yourself there and do what is in your heart. Don’t sin by proud speech.
For these things bless your Maker, who gives you to drink freely of his good things.
Verse 13. Thee. Greek implies to be equal. Calmet.
He who fears the Lord will receive discipline. Those who seek him early will find favor.
Verse 14. Storm. Lit. “hail.” Greek “thunder.” Bible.—It comes forth at the same time as the lightning, but travels slower. Calmet.—For. Greek (15.) “at,” and so forth Bible.—Young people must leave the table, and take recreation.
He who seeks the law shall be filled with it, but the hypocrite will stumble at it.
Those who fear the Lord will find true judgment, and will kindle righteous acts like a light.
A sinful man shuns reproof, and will find a judgment according to his will.
Verse 17. Bless. This is taught by the light of reason, (Calmet. 5:7) and the omission before or after meals betrays a want of faith and gratitude, particularly in Christians.—Replenisheth. Greek “inebriateth thee with his goods.” Bible.
A sensible person won’t neglect a thought. An insolent and proud man won’t crouch in fear, even after he has done a thing by himself without counsel.
Do nothing without counsel, but when you have acted, don’t regret it.
Don’t go in a way of conflict. Don’t stumble in stony places.
Verse 20. Light. They shall advance in virtue and glory. Proverbs 4:18. Calmet.
Don’t be overconfident on a smooth road.
Verse 21. Excuse. Lit. “comparison.” “He will bend the law to his desires.” Thus heretics interpret Scripture. Bible.—Greek “he will find condemnation.”
Beware of your own children.
In every work guard your own soul, for this is the keeping of the commandments.
He who believes the law gives heed to the commandment. He who trusts in the Lord will suffer no loss.
Verse 24. Without counsel; or “by himself,” ( Calmet.) cum eo.—And. Greek “do nothing without counsel, and in acting do not repent,” ( Bible.) but execute what has been prudently devised. Calmet.—God directs; yet he would have us to ask advice. Worthington.