Wisdom, &c. This is not in Greek, and seems out of its place, being taken from Proverbs xvi. 32., or Ecclesiastes ix. 16. (Calmet) --- The connection with the preceding is observable in the next verse. (Haydock)

Verse 2

Kings. The author puts these words in the mouth of Solomon to give them greater weight, (Calmet) or rather (Haydock) as the inspiration of God is the most unexceptionable authority, and it would be of no service to introduce a false personage speaking; these nine first chapters were written by Solomon, though the original has since disappeared. This has been the case with respect to the original text of Tobias and Judith, (Houbigant) as well as to that of the many canticles and parables which Solomon wrote. (Haydock)

Verse 4

Power. All power is from God, and to be respected, even though the magistrate should sometimes abuse his authority. (Worthington) (Romans xiii. 1.) --- They must render an account to the common master, 2 Paralipomenon xix. 6.

Verse 6

Rule. How severely did God chastise Moses, David, and Ezechias.

Verse 7

Little, and ignorant. Those in power ought to know, and to perform their duty.

Verse 8

Equally. In proportion to their exigencies, or he punishes all as they deserve. It is not clear that he speaks of grace, as the Pelagians would assert, (Calmet) abusing this passage. See St. Augustine, ep. cvi., or clxxxvii.

Verse 9

Mighty. This cannot be too often inculcated, (ver. 6.) lest the great should forget God and themselves. (Calmet) --- Each must render an account of his charge, and be punished accordingly if he offend. (St. Gregory, hom. ix. Evang.) (Worthington)

Verse 10

Kings. Septuagint, "tyrants." But this title was nor formerly odious.

Verse 11

Just. Septuagint, "holy." The Jewish judges were generally priests. --- Answer. The sovereign judge, to whom Job and David confidently appeal.

Verse 13

Seek her. With the assistance of divine grace, Deuteronomy xxx. 11., and Romans x. 6. The advantages of wisdom invite us to seek her. (Calmet)

Verse 15

Door. Ready to introduce herself. (Haydock) (Proverbs i. 20., and viii. 34., and ix. 1.)

Verse 16

Think. With eager desire to be guided by her maxims. (Calmet)

Verse 17

Providence. To facilitate our just designs, Proverbs ix. (Menochius) --- She is on the watch to save us. (Haydock)

Verse 18

Discipline. We must begin with a sincere desire of instruction, and submit to correction, (Calmet) if we would come near to God, ver. 20. (Haydock) --- Wisdom is attained by this gradation. (Worthington)

Verse 21

Everlasting is not in Greek. Wisdom conducts to the throne, (ver. 22.; Calmet) which shall last for ever. (Haydock) --- The sense of the Vulgate is very just, chap. v. 17.

Verse 23

CHAPTER VI.

Verse 24

Now. The pagans attributed the invention of wisdom to Socrates, or to Pythagoras. But she proceeds from the bosom of God, and was practised long before their times.

Verse 25

Envy. I will not imitate such, chap. vii. 13. Wisdom ought to be diffused. (Calmet)

Verse 26