By them. Viz., the tongue and the lips, mentioned in the last verse of the foregoing chapter. (Challoner) --- We cannot resist of ourselves, and must therefore pray to God. (Worthington) --- We have need of a good master to correct our eagerness in speaking. (Calmet)

Verse 2

Ignorances, &c. That is, that the scourges and discipline of wisdom may restrain the ignorances, that is, the slips and offences which are usually committed by the tongue and the lips. (Challoner) --- The tongue is a restless evil, James iii. 8.

Verse 3

Over me. The noblest motives are not always proposed first.

Verse 5

Eyes. God never makes such presents, but he permits us to fall in punishment of former transgressions. (Calmet) --- Coveting. Greek, "from thy servants all giant-like affection. Vain hopes and desires remove from me; and thou shalt possess him who wishes to serve thee without ceasing." (Grabe) (Haydock)

Verse 6

Foolish, (infrunitæ) is used in this sense by Seneca. (Calmet) --- Greek has not this epithet. The title, "instruction of the mouth," follows, (Haydock) to ver. 20. (Calmet)

Verse 10

Them. Greek (Alexandrian) has only (9.) "swearing, (10.) and have not a custom of naming the Most High." Other editions have "the holy one." (Haydock) --- Rash and false oaths are forbidden, Jeremias iv., and Matthew v. (Worthington)

Verse 11

Sin. "No swearing is secure." (St. Augustine) --- Slaves were forced to confess the truth by torments; free-men took an oath; and priests gave their word. (Plut.[Plutarch?] Prob.)

Verse 13

Dissemble. Greek, "despise." He will be punished, at least, by God. (Calmet)

Verse 14

In vain. Without a design to execute, (Grotius) or through levity, or rather falsely, Exodus xxiii. 1., and Deuteronomy v. 11.

Verse 15

Opposite. Or equal. Greek, "clothed with death." He denotes blasphemy, (Leviticus xxiv. 14.) or the invitation to idolatry, (Deuteronomy xiii. 1.) or calumny, ver. 17., and Leviticus xix. 12. (Calmet) --- In oaths God is called to witness, as being unable to deceive. But blasphemy attributes to him or to others what does not belong to them. (Worthington)

Verse 16

Merciful. Or true believers, Assideans, 1 Machabees ii. 42.

Verse 17

Of sin. A Hebrew idiom, to imply something criminal. Those who have laid aside shame, are capable of any wickedness.

Verse 18

Men. Treat thy parents with no less regard, (Calmet) even though thou shouldst be exalted in dignity. (Lyr.[Lyranus?]) ---Thus thou wilt be rewarded, (Calmet) of if thou transgress, wilt be brought to judgment. (Bossuet) --- Greek, "thou shalt sit," &c. (Haydock)

Verse 19

Nativity. Wish not that thou hadst not been born of such parents. (Grotius)

Verse 20

Life. For who will admonish him?

Verse 21

Two. The first is a passionate man, (ver. 22.) the second a libertine, (ver. 23.) and the third an adulterer, ver. 25. (Calmet)

Verse 22

Hot. With any furious passion, (Vatable) or anger, (Calmet) avarice, (Worthington) or lust. (Menochius)

Verse 23

Mouth. Greek, "body." --- Fire. Shameful disease will come upon him, chap. xix. 3. His brutal passion will never be satiated. (Calmet)

Verse 24

Sweet. He is not delicate in his choice. (Haydock) --- All obstacles increase his irregular desires, Proverbs ix. 17. (Calmet)

Verse 27

And. Greek, "the eyes of men are his dread." (Haydock) --- Such is the folly of the adulterer!

Verse 30

And he. Greek, "and where," &c. He shall be stoned, Leviticus xx. 10. (Calmet) --- Taken. Greek subjoins (ver. 32.) "so," &c. (Haydock) --- If carnal adultery be thus punished, how much more will spiritual adultery, schism, and apostacy from the Catholic religion? (Worthington)

Verse 33

CHAPTER XXIII.

Verse 38