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Hear therefore, you kings, and understand. Learn, you judges of the ends of the earth.
Verse 1. Wisdom, and so forth This is not in Greek, and seems out of its place, being taken from Proverbs 16:32 or Eccles. 9:16. Calmet.—The connection with the preceding is observable in the next verse. Bible.
Give ear, you rulers who have dominion over many people, and make your boast in multitudes of nations,
Verse 2. Kings. The author puts these words in the mouth of Solomon to give them greater weight, ( Calmet.) or rather ( Bible.) as the inspiration of God is the most unexceptionable authority, and it would be of no service to introduce a false personage speaking; these nine first chapters were written by Solomon, though the original has since disappeared. This has been the case with respect to the original text of Tobias and Judith, (Houbigant) as well as to that of the many canticles and parables which Solomon wrote. Bible.
Or, in the multitudes of your nations
because your dominion was given to you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High. He will search out your works, and will inquire about your plans,
because being officers of his kingdom, you didn’t judge rightly, nor did you keep the law, nor did you walk according to God’s counsel.
Verse 4. Power. All power is from God, and to be respected, even though the magistrate should sometimes abuse his authority. Worthington. Romans 13:1.—They must render an account to the common master. 2 Chronicles 19:6.
He will come upon you awfully and swiftly, because a stern judgment comes on those who are in high places.
For the man of low estate may be pardoned in mercy, but mighty men will be mightily tested.
Verse 6. Rule. How severely did God chastise Moses, David, and Ezechias.
For the Sovereign Lord of all will not be impressed with anyone, neither will he show deference to greatness; because it is he who made both small and great, and cares about them all;
Verse 7. Little, and ignorant. Those in power ought to know, and to perform their duty.
but the scrutiny that comes upon the powerful is strict.
Verse 8. Equally. In proportion to their exigencies, or he punishes all as they deserve. It is not clear that he speaks of grace, as the Pelagians would assert, ( Calmet.) abusing this passage. See Saint Augustine ep. cvi. or clxxxvii.
Therefore, my words are to you, O princes, that you may learn wisdom and not fall away.
Verse 9. Mighty. This cannot be too often inculcated, (verse 6) lest the great should forget God and themselves. Calmet.—Each must render an account of his charge, and be punished accordingly if he offend. Saint Gregory hom. ix. Evang. Worthington.
For those who have kept the things that are holy in holiness will be made holy. Those who have been taught them will find what to say in defense.
Verse 10. Kings. Septuagint “tyrants.” But this title was nor formerly odious.
Therefore set your desire on my words. Long for them, and you princes will be instructed.
Verse 11. Just. Septuagint “holy.” The Jewish judges were generally priests.—Answer. The sovereign judge, to whom Job and David confidently appeal.
Wisdom is radiant and doesn’t fade away; and is easily seen by those who love her, and found by those who seek her.
She anticipates those who desire her, making herself known.
Verse 13. Seek her. With the assistance of divine grace. Deuteronomy 30:11. Romans 10:6. The advantages of wisdom invite us to seek her. Calmet.
He who rises up early to seek her won’t have difficulty, for he will find her sitting at his gates.
For to think upon her is perfection of understanding, and he who watches for her will quickly be free from care;
Verse 15. Door. Ready to introduce herself. Bible. Proverbs 1:20 and 8:34 and 9:1.)
because she herself goes around, seeking those who are worthy of her, and in their paths she appears to them graciously, and in every purpose she meets them.
Verse 16. Think. With eager desire to be guided by her maxims. Calmet.
For her true beginning is desire for instruction; and desire for instruction is love.
Verse 17. Providence. To facilitate our just designs. Proverbs 9. Menochius.—She is on the watch to save us. Bible.
And love is observance of her laws. To give heed to her laws confirms immortality.
Verse 18. Discipline. We must begin with a sincere desire of instruction, and submit to correction, ( Calmet.) if we would come near to God, verse 20. Bible.—Wisdom is attained by this gradation. Worthington.
Immortality brings closeness to God.
So then desire for wisdom promotes to a kingdom.
If therefore you delight in thrones and sceptres, you princes of peoples, honor wisdom, that you may reign forever.
Verse 21. Everlasting is not in Greek. Wisdom conducts to the throne, (verse 22. Calmet.) which shall last for ever. Bible.—The sense of the Vulg. is very just. Calmet. 5:17.
But what wisdom is, and how she came into being, I will declare. I won’t hide mysteries from you; but I will explore from her first beginning, bring the knowledge of her into clear light, and I will not pass by the truth.
Indeed, I won’t travel with consuming envy, because envy will have no fellowship with wisdom.
But a multitude of wise men is salvation to the world, and an understanding king is stability for his people.
Verse 24. Now. The pagans attributed the invention of wisdom to Socrates, or to Pythagoras. But she proceeds from the bosom of God, and was practised long before their times.
Therefore be instructed by my words, and you will profit.
Verse 25. Envy. I will not imitate such. Calmet. 7:13. Wisdom ought to be diffused. Calmet.