Labour, "anxiety," Greek: ascholia. (Menochius) --- All misery (Calmet) is in consequence of original sin. (Worthington) --- The life of man is a trial, Job vii. 1., and xiv. 1. --- Of all. The earth, (Calmet) which covers us, when all other things cast us away. (Pliny, [Natural History?] ii. 63.)

Verse 4

Purple. Literally, "hyacinth," (Haydock) or violet colour. Purple was more like scarlet.

Verse 5

Knowledge. He is disquieted by restless (Calmet) and frightful dreams, ver. 6. (Haydock)

Verse 7

Fear, or no reason for it. (Calmet)

Verse 8

Beast. Their instinct causes them to fear death, to fight, &c.

Verse 9

Moreover. Greek, "death," &c., are all destined for the wicked.

Verse 12

Out, and severely punished. (Calmet) --- They shall not appear in the book of life.

Verse 14

Rejoice. The corrupt judge once rejoiced: but now he shall mourn. (Haydock) --- The possessions and grandeur of the unjust shall end in a moment, like a clap of thunder, Psalm xxxvi. 36., and Proverbs x. 25. (Calmet)

Verse 15

And make. Greek, "they are unclean," (Haydock) and will produce no fruit.

Verse 16

Weed. Literally, "verdure." Greek Achei, (Haydock) properly denotes the rush, papyrus, which grows on the banks of the Nile, (Genesis xli. 2.; Calmet) and was used for fuel. (Alpin. i. 7.) (Matthew vi. 30.) --- Thus the wicked will presently (Calmet) be treated. (Menochius)

Verse 17

Grace. The beneficent will produce fruits, like those of paradise, Genesis ii. 8.

Verse 18

That is. Greek, "and of one that." --- In it. Greek, "and more than both is one discovering a treasure," (Haydock) who finds himself rich, without labour or injustice.

Verse 19

Both. Thus Judith, Zenobia, &c., ennobled their husbands, Proverbs xxxi. 10.

Verse 20

Wisdom. Virtue gives more content to the soul than corporal pleasures do to the body. It brings us near to God. (Calmet)

Verse 22

Green. "The sight of no colour is more agreeable to the eyes." (Pliny xxxvii. 1.) --- The Church is more excellent than the synagogue. (Worthington)

Verse 23

Husband. Their union is closer, and they can best assist each other.

Verse 25

Counsel. By this the Romans conquered the world, 1 Machabees viii. 31., and Proverbs xi. 14.

Verse 26

Heart, and make people presumptuous; while piety gives real courage, Psalm xxvi. 1. (Calmet)

Verse 28

It, or "him." (Haydock) --- The virtuous man is covered with glory.

Verse 29

Indigent. Greek, "live not by begging," being too lazy to work, or incurring this punishment for thy sins, Leviticus xxvi. 16., Psalm cviii., and Deuteronomy xv. 4. Involuntary poverty is a most severe scourge. (Calmet) --- All are bound too labour for what is needful; (Worthington) some by prayer, others by trade, &c. (Haydock)

Verse 30

Meat. Such is the condition of the parasite, (Calmet) and of the beggar. (Haydock)

Verse 32

Unwise. Some read, "impudent man," with the Greek. --- Fire. He shall feel the inconveniences of poverty; (Haydock) yet will not work, being lost to all shame. (Calmet) --- Plato (Leg. 11.) orders magistrates to "clear the country of such an animal," Greek: zoou, (Haydock) and the Lacedemonians suffered no beggars among them.

Verse 40