Proverbs 15

Proverbs 15:1

Fury. This was seen in Nabal and Roboam, while Gideon and Abigail shewed the good effects of a mild answer, Judges viii. 1., and 1 Kings x. 25., and 3 Kings xii. 11.

Proverbs 15:2

Knowledge. It requires to be proposed in a proper manner.

Proverbs 15:4

Life. This comparison was become proverbial for something very excellent. Immoderate. Hebrew, “perverse.” (Calmet) — Evil discourse kills the souls both of those who speak, and of those who pay attention to it. (Haydock)

Proverbs 15:5

In abundant, &c. Is omitted in Hebrew, Chaldean, and many Greek and Latin copies. The same idea is expressed in the following verse.

Proverbs 15:7

Unlike. The wise, or themselves. Hebrew and Septuagint, “inconstant.”

Proverbs 15:8

Wicked. Still unconverted, Ecclesiasticus xxxiv. 23. When they repent, and offer sacrifice with sincerity, they will obtain mercy. The Donatists abused this text, to prove that baptism conferred by wicked ministers was unavailing. But St. Augustine shewed them, that Christ was the principal agent, and conferred grace, even though the minister might draw down judgments on his own head. (Con. Parm. ii. 6.) — Even pagans confessed, that sacrifices, without virtue, could afford no benefit. “God was more pleased with the prayers of the Lacedemonians, than with all the sacrifices of the Greeks,” say the idolatrous priests in Plato, Alcib. ii. (Seneca de Ben. i. 5.)

Proverbs 15:10

Instruction. Hebrew, “a heavy punishment.” (Haydock) — The mind which gives way to vice, must have embraced some false doctrine.

Proverbs 15:11

Before. Naked. The state of the damned is known to God, chap. ix. 18. (Calmet)

Proverbs 15:13

Down. Compunction is salutary, but worldly grief blameable, chap. xxv. 20., and 2 Corinthians vii. 10. (St. Gregory, past. ii. 10.)

Proverbs 15:15

Feast. Those who repine at their condition are miserable; while the poor may be delivered from many cares. (Calmet) — —– O vit'e6 tuta facultas Pauperis angustique laris. (Luc. Phar. v.) — Under affliction every thing displeases; but all delights the cheerful temper.

Proverbs 15:16

Content. Septuagint, “fear.” Hebrew, “with trouble,” which is preferable, 1 Timothy vi. 6.

Proverbs 15:17

Calf. Or feast after sacrifice, 1 Kings xvii. 19., and Luke xv. 23.

Proverbs 15:19

Thorns. All seems to them impossible. (Calmet) — In agriculture, however, (Haydock) “in domestic affairs, negligence is attended with more labour than diligence.” (Colum. xii. 2.)

Proverbs 15:21

Fool. He thinks himself the most happy of mortals. (Calmet) — Septuagint, “the ways of the fools are senseless.” (Haydock)

Proverbs 15:22

Counsel. Hebrew, “secrecy.” — Established. We put in execution without fear, what has been resolved maturely. (Calmet)

Proverbs 15:24

Above. Literally, “upon the learned.” (Haydock) — One path leads to the realms above. (Calmet) — The wise must be intent on God. (Menochius)

Proverbs 15:26

Shall by, &c., is not added in Hebrew, &c., nor in several Latin manuscripts.

Proverbs 15:27

Troubleth. With all sorts of temporal misfortunes. A judge who receives bribes, is accursed, Exodus xxiii. 8. — By, &c., is not here in Hebrew, but [in] chap. xvi. 6. St. Cyprian (3 Test.) found it in his copy. — Faith, or fidelity and truth, as it is elsewhere expressed, chap. iii. 3. These virtues move God to pardon.

Proverbs 15:28

Studieth. And speaks deliberately. Roman Septuagint is more embarrassed in the rest of this, and the nine first verses of the following chapter, than the Complutensianedition.

Proverbs 15:30

Fat. And contributes to health. By less noble motives, the mind is gradually raised to the more excellent.

Proverbs 15:33

Lesson. Or “what teacheth.” Humility, or docility, as those who acknowledge no master will never be wise, Matthew xxiii. 12. (Calmet)

Proverbs 15:35

CHAPTER XV.