Proverbs xii.

Notes & Commentary:

Ver. 1. Knowledge. It is a great kindness to shew us our faults. But God's grace is necessary to make us reap benefit from correction, (Calmet) as self-love recoils at it.

Ver. 2. But. Hebrew, "and he will condemn the man of devices," (Mont.[Montanus?]; Haydock) or, "the man of thoughts doth wickedly," (Calmet) as he trusts in them, rather than in God. (Menochius)

Ver. 4. Diligent. Hebrew, "strong or virtuous," (Haydock) including all the perfections of the sex, and in particular those of economy and chastity, chap. xiv. 1., and xxxi. 10.

Ver. 7. Turn. In a moment the wicked is not to be found, chap. x. 25., and Psalm xxxvi. 35.

Ver. 8. Learning. We apply to those things which we love, and those who study sacred (Calmet) or useful sciences, shall receive praise.

Ver. 9. Glorious. Or a boaster, (Haydock) as many noblemen are, who are involved in debt, Ecclesiasticus x. 30. (Menochius) --- It is better to have a sufficiency, than to be of noble parentage; and starving through a stupid idea, that work would be disgraceful.

Ver. 10. Beasts. Those who treat them with cruelty, would do the like with men. God gives regulations to let brute beasts have rest, Leviticus xxii. 28. (Calmet) (St. Chrysostom in Romans xxix.)

Ver. 11. Idleness. Hebrew, "the idle." Their company is seducing. --- He that, &c. This occurs in the Septuagint, but not in the Hebrew or the new edition of St. Jerome. (Calmet) --- Wine. Or "in taverns." --- Holds. Soldiers have thus been often surprised. (Menochius) --- "Drunkenness is an incitement to lust and madness, the poison of wisdom." (St. Ambrose)

Ver. 12. Men. They wish to supplant one another.

Ver. 13. Lips. Liars often become the victims of their own deceit.

Ver. 16. Wise. It is more difficult to repress, than to avoid anger. (St. Ambrose) --- To dissemble, so as to seek an opportunity of revenge, is not commended.

Ver. 17. That. Hebrew, "the truth announceth justice." We easily give credit to an honest man. (Calmet)

Ver. 18. Promiseth. Septuagint, "there are, who speaking, wound with the sword; but," &c. Hebrew bote (Haydock) means also, making a foolish promise, which causes remorse. (Menochius) --- This was the case with Herod, when he was pleased with Herodias, Matthew xiv. 8. (Calmet) --- Hebrew, "speaketh like the piercings of a sword," (Protestants; Haydock) as detractors, and those who disseminate impious and scandalous maxims do.

Ver. 19. Frameth. He studies how to escape detection. Hebrew, "a lying tongue is but for a moment;" it is presently discovered.

Ver. 20. Deceit. Or uneasiness. (Calmet) --- Honi soit qui mal y pense: "let him be covered with shame who thinks evil in it," seems nearly of the same import. (Haydock)

Ver. 21. Sad. Even if he fall into sin, he will not lose all hope. (Calmet) --- The accidents accompanying this life will not overwhelm him. (St. Chrysostom) --- Hebrew, "no evil shall befall the just." If he be afflicted here, he will be amply rewarded hereafter. Septuagint, "the just will not be pleased with any injustice."

Ver. 23. Cautious. Versutus is taken in a good, as well as in a bad sense. The wise are reserved in speaking, Proverbs xvi. 14. (Calmet)

Ver. 25. Grief. Septuagint, "a fearful speech troubleth the heart of a (just) man." (Grabe) (Haydock)

Ver. 26. Just. A true friend will make any sacrifice. (Calmet) --- "I am convinced that friendship can subsist only among the good," says Cicero. Hebrew, "the just hath more, (Calmet; Protestants) or is more excellent than his neighbour." Septuagint, "the intelligent just is his own friend; (but the sentences of the impious are contrary to equity. Evils shall pursue sinners) but the way," &c. (Grabe) (Haydock)

Ver. 27. Gain. Hebrew and Septuagint, "his prey," (Calmet) or what "he took in hunting." (Protestants) (Haydock)

Ver. 28. Bye-way. Of vice. Hebrew, "and a way which leadeth to death," or "its paths conduct to death." (Calmet)