*H He that liveth for ever created all things together. God only shall be justified, and he remaineth an invincible king for ever.
Ver. 1. Together, as to their substance, though they received different forms successively, as Moses relates. Both writers are divinely inspired. S. Aug. de Gen. ad Lit. iv. 33. W. S. Tho. i. p. 974. a. 2. — Some suppose that all things were really formed in an instant, and that the order described by Moses is only as we should conceive it. Cajet. — This passage only means that God alone was the creator both of the sun and of man, and without him nothing was made, (Jo. i. Ps. xxxii. 15.) as he gave existence to all, κοινη, "in common." C. — And he. Gr. "and there is no other besides him who steers the world with the palm of his hand. And all things obey his will; for he is king of all, in his might, separating what is holy among them from the profane. (2.) He has enabled no one to," &c. H.
* Footnote * Genesis 1 : 1
In the beginning God created heaven, and earth.*H Nothing may be taken away, nor added, neither is it possible to find out the glorious works of God.
Ver. 5. Added. The works speak for themselves, though man be silent. C.
*H When a man hath done, then shall he begin: and when he leaveth off, he shall be at a loss.
Ver. 6. Begin. God is so great and incomprehensible, that when an has done all that he can to find out his greatness and boundless perfections, he is still to begin: for what he has found out, is but a mere nothing, in comparison of his infinity. Ch. — It is best to adore him in silence and humility. C.
*H What is man, and what is his grace? and what is his good, or what is his evil?
Ver. 7. Grace. Gr. "utility." H. — Evil. What can man do for or against God? Job xxii. 3. Ps. xv. 2.
*H The number of the days of men at the most are a hundred years, as a drop of water of the sea are they esteemed: and as a pebble of the sand, so are a few years compared to eternity.
Ver. 8. Years. Seneca fixes on the same number; (Brev. Vitæ. 3.) Macrobius on seventy, for the life of man; which nearly agrees with the author of Ps. lxxxix. 10. H. — It seldom happens that people exceed 70, or 100 years. But what is this compared with eternity? C. — Gr. "a hundred years are many...so are a thousand years in the day of the age," or of αιωνος, eternity. H. Ps. lxxxix. 4. and 2 Pet. iii. 8.
* Footnote * Psalms 89 : 10
The days of our years in them are threescore and ten years. But if in the strong they be fourscore years: and what is more of them is labour and sorrow. For mildness is come upon us: and we shall be corrected.*H Therefore God is patient in them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them.
Ver. 9. Them. Human misery calls forth God's pity. C.
*H The compassion of man is toward his neighbour: but the mercy of God is upon all flesh.
Ver. 12. Flesh. It is infinite and disinterested. Man assists his neighbour expecting a recompense, and remembering that he may be distressed.
*H He hath mercy on him that receiveth the discipline of mercy, and that maketh haste in his judgments.
Ver. 14. Judgments. To execute his orders. Here ends the discourse begun c. xiv. 22. C.
*H My son, in thy good deeds, make no complaint, and when thou givest any thing, add not grief by an evil word.
Ver. 15. Complaint. Gr. "reproach." H. — The manner of giving, enhances the value of the gift, or even surpasses it. C.
*H Before sickness take a medicine, and before judgment examine thyself, and thou shalt find mercy in the sight of God.
Ver. 20. Medicine. This is more requisite and easy to do in the maladies of the soul, which are brought on by our own fault. Principiis obsta. C. — Mercy. Greek, "propitiation in the hour of visitation," (H.) or punishment. C.
* Footnote * 1_Corinthians 11 : 28
But let a man prove himself: and so let him eat of that bread and drink of the chalice.*H Humble thyself before thou art sick, and in the time of sickness shew thy conversation.
Ver. 21. Sick. Rom. Gr. adds, "by abstinence, and in the time of sins, manifest a conversion." H. — If we take precautions to avoid illness, why should we neglect the concerns of our soul? — Conversation, or good conduct.
*H Let nothing hinder thee from praying always, and be not afraid to be justified even to death: for the reward of God continueth for ever.
Ver. 22. Always. These admirable maxims seem copied from the gospel. Lu. xviii. 1. C. — The same spirit dictated all the Scriptures. H. — Those pray always who neglect not this duty at proper times, and are always resolved to do so. S. Aug. ep. 121. q. ad Prob. W. — Gr. "be not hindered from performing thy vow in good time, and wait not to be justified, (H.) or to put it in execution till death. Deut. xxiii. 21. Before thou takest a vow," &c. Examine well if thou intend to perform it. C.
* Footnote * Luke 18 : 1
And he spoke also a parable to them, that we ought always to pray and not to faint,* Footnote * 1_Thessalonians 5 : 17
Pray without ceasing.*H Before prayer prepare thy soul: and be not as a man that tempteth God.
Ver. 23. God. Can we expect that he will hear what we do not ourselves? To approach his majesty, without repentance and attention, is presumptuous. We must ask God to open our lips, and do what lies in us. Trid. C.
*H Remember the wrath that shall be at the last day, and the time of repaying when he shall turn away his face.
Ver. 24. Face, saying to the reprobate, Depart, &c. C. vii. 40. Matt. xxv. 41. H.
*H Remember poverty in the time of abundance, and the necessities of poverty in the day of riches.
Ver. 25. Riches. By their good use, lay up a treasure in heaven, and be always humble. C. xi. 27.
*H From the morning until the evening the time shall be changed, and all these are swift in the eyes of God.
Ver. 26. God. All things continually change. C. — Rotam volubili orbe versamus. Boet. cons. 2. — Reflect on Aman and Mardochai. C.
*H A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the days of sins will beware of sloth.
Ver. 27. Thing. Mindful of the reverses of fortune. C. xi. 30. Prov. xxviii. 14. C. — Sloth, and repent. Greek adds, "the fool will not observe the season." H.
*H Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise to him that findeth her.
Ver. 28. Her. It is a rare thing to discern and to give due praise to merit. C.
*H They that were of good understanding in words, have also done wisely themselves: and have understood truth and justice, and have poured forth proverbs and judgments.
Ver. 29. And judgments. Gr. "full of accuracy." Some add the title "restraint of the soul." H.
* Footnote * Romans 6 : 12
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, so as to obey the lusts thereof.* Footnote * Romans 13 : 14
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ: and make not provision for the flesh in its concupiscences.*H If thou give to thy soul her desires, she will make thee a joy to thy enemies.
Ver. 31. Enemies. This motive will make the most impression on those who are slaves to their passions. C.
*H Take no pleasure in riotous assemblies, be they ever so small: for their concertation is continual.
Ver. 32. Small. Lit. "nor in those which are small." H. — Composed of the meanest citizens. Quarrels and sin are there almost inevitable. C. — Gr. "rejoice not in high living; nor beg for its symbol," (H.) or feast, in which each person contributed his share, συμβολη, as the next verse implies. C. — Symbolum dedit, cænavit. Ter. And.