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Vain and false hopes are for a man void of understanding. Dreams give wings to fools.
Verse 1. The. Greek “on dreams. The,” and so forth Bible.—No dependence can be had on the pretended interpretation of dreams, which do not come from God; ( Calmet.) as some do. Matthew 1. Daniel 2. Worthington.
As one who grasps at a shadow and follows after the wind, so is he who sets his mind on dreams.
The vision of dreams is a reflection, the likeness of a face near a face.
Verse 3. Man. When he turns away from the mirror, it appears no more. Jam. 1:23.
From an unclean thing what can be cleansed? From that which is false what can be true?
Verse 4. Unclean. This text has been abused, to prove that the sinner cannot confer grace in the sacraments. Calmet.—But Christ does this by his ministry. Saint Augustine Ps. x. n. 6.
Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain. The heart has fantasies like a woman in labor.
Verse 5. Deceitful. Greek “divinations, and auguries, and dreams, are vain.”
If they are not sent in a visitation from the Most High, don’t give your heart to them.
Verse 6. Travail. Such things cannot be explained. Twenty people will all give different interpretations.—High, as those of Jacob, Joseph, and so forth were. Yet it is difficult to make the discrimination. Saint Gregory dial. iv. 48.—Homer admits of two sorts of dreams. Odys. xix.
For dreams have led many astray. They have failed by putting their hope in them.
Verse 7. Them. The devil takes advantage of their weakness, and they have recourse to magic, and so forth Calmet.
Without lying the law will be fulfilled. Wisdom is complete in a faithful mouth.
Verse 8. Law, which forbids attention to dreams. Leviticus 19:26. Isaiah 8:20. A. Lap.—No part of the law shall perish; and some will always explain it truly. Worthington.
A well-instructed man knows many things. He who has much experience will declare understanding.
Verse 9. What. Greek “A man who has travelled, knows much,” and so forth Bible.—Thus Ulysses became so wise, (Homer) as well as the ancient philosophers, Pythagoras, and so forth Saint Jerome ad Paulin.—The knowledge derived from books will not suffice. Calmet.
He who has no experience knows few things. But he who has traveled increases cleverness.
Verse 10. Experienced. Greek “much abroad, shall abound with subtlety. (11.) I,” and so forth
I have seen many things in my travels. My understanding is more than my words.
I was often in danger even to death. I was preserved because of these experiences.
Verse 12. And. Greek “And I know more than I announce.” Grabe’s edit.
The spirit of those who fear the Lord will live, for their hope is in him who saves them.
Verse 13. For. Greek “On account of these things I have been saved:” ( Bible.) by my great experience, which gives weight to my instructions.
Whoever fears the Lord won’t be afraid, and won’t be a coward, for he is his hope.
Verse 14. Is. Greek “shall live. (15.) For … them. (16.) He,” and so forth Bible.
Blessed is the soul of him who fears the Lord. To whom does he give heed? Who is his support?
The eyes of the Lord are on those who love him, a mighty protection and strong support, a cover from the hot blast, a shade from the noonday sun, a guard from stumbling, and a help from falling.
He raises up the soul, and enlightens the eyes. He gives health, life, and blessing.
He who sacrifices a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering is made in mockery. The mockeries of wicked men are not acceptable.
The Most High has no pleasure in the offerings of the ungodly, Neither is he pacified for sins by the multitude of sacrifices.
Like one who kills a son before his father’s eyes is he who brings a sacrifice from the goods of the poor.
Verse 20. From falling, or when a person is fallen.
The bread of the needy is the life of the poor. He who deprives him of it is a man of blood.
Verse 21. Mockeries. Some Greek copies have “gifts.” Such unjust presents or sacrifices, God will abhor. Isaiah 41:8. Deuteronomy 24:15. Calmet.
Like one who murders his neighbor is he who takes away his living. Like a shedder of blood is he who deprives a hireling of his hire.
Verse 22. Lord. Greek (23.) “most … wicked, nor,” and so forth
When one builds, and another pulls down, what profit do they have but toil?
When one prays, and another curses, whose voice will the Lord listen to?
He who washes himself after touching a dead body, and touches it again, what does he gain by his washing?
Even so a man fasting for his sins, and going again, and doing the same, who will listen to his prayer? What profit does he have in his humiliation?
Verse 26. Bread. Greek “a livelihood, killeth his neighbour; and he sheddeth blood, who keepeth back the hire of the workman.” Bible.