Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 18

Together, as to their substance, though they received different forms successively, as Moses relates. Both writers are divinely inspired. (St. Augustine, de Gen. ad Lit. iv. 33.) (Worthington) (St. Thomas Aquinas, 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. (Cajetan)

This passage only means that God alone was the creator both of the sun and of man, and without him nothing was made, (John i., and Psalm xxxii. 15.) as he gave existence to all, koine, “in common.” (Calmet)

And he. Greek, “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. (Haydock)

Added. The works speak for themselves, though man be silent. (Calmet)

Begin. God is so great and incomprehensible, that when man 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. (Challoner)

It is best to adore him in silence and humility. (Calmet)

Grace. Greek, “utility.” (Haydock)

Evil. What can man do for or against God? Job xxii. 3., and Psalm xv. 2.

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 Psalm lxxxix. 10. (Haydock)

It seldom happens that people exceed 70, or 100 years. But what is this compared with eternity? (Calmet)

Greek, “a hundred years are many....so are a thousand years in the day of the age,” or of aionos, eternity. (Haydock) (Psalm lxxxix. 4., and 2 Peter iii. 8.)

Them. Human misery calls forth God’s pity. (Calmet)

Flesh. It is infinite and disinterested. Man assists his neighbour expecting a recompense, and remembering that he may be distressed.

Judgments. To execute his orders. Here ends the discourse begun [in] chap. xiv. 22. (Calmet)

Complaint. Greek, “reproach.” (Haydock)

The manner of giving, enhances the value of the gift, or even surpasses it. (Calmet)

-----Super omnia vultus

Accessere boni, nec iners pauperque voluntas. ([Ovid?] Met. 8.)

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. (Calmet)

Mercy. Greek, “propitiation in the hour of visitation,” (Haydock) or punishment. (Calmet)

Sick. Roman Greek adds, “by abstinence, and in the time of sins, manifest a conversion.” (Haydock)

If we take precautions to avoid illness, why should we neglect the concerns of our soul?

Conversation, or good conduct.

Always. These admirable maxims seem copied from the gospel, Luke xviii. 1. (Calmet)

The same spirit dictated all the Scriptures. (Haydock)

Those pray always who neglect not this duty at proper times, and are always resolved to do so. (St. Augustine, ep. 121. q. ad Prob.) (Worthington)

Greek, “be not hindered from performing thy vow in good time, and wait not to be justified, (Haydock) or to put it in execution till death. Deuteronomy xxiii. 21. Before thou takest a vow,” &c. Examine well if thou intend to perform it. (Calmet)

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.[Council of Trent?]) (Calmet)

Face, saying to the reprobate, Depart, &c., chap. vii. 40., and Matthew xxv. 41. (Haydock)

Riches. By their good use, lay up a treasure in heaven, and be always humble, chap. xi. 27.

God. All things continually change. (Calmet)

Rotam volubili orbe versamus. (Boet. cons. 2.)

Reflect on Aman and Mardochai. (Calmet)

Quem dies vidit veniens superbum,

Hunc dies vidit fugiens jacentem. (Sen.[Seneca?] Thyeste.)

Thing. Mindful of the reverses of fortune, chap. xi. 30., and Proverbs xxviii. 14. (Calmet)

Sloth, and repent. Greek adds, “the fool will not observe the season.” (Haydock)

Her. It is a rare thing to discern and to give due praise to merit. (Calmet)

And judgments. Greek, “full of accuracy.” Some add the title “restraint of the soul.” (Haydock)

Enemies. This motive will make the most impression on those who are slaves to their passions. (Calmet)

Small. Literally, “nor in those which are small.” (Haydock)

Composed of the meanest citizens. Quarrels and sin are there almost inevitable. (Calmet)

Greek, “rejoice not in high living; nor beg for its symbol,” (Haydock) or feast, in which each person contributed his share, sumbole, as the next verse implies. (Calmet)

Symbolum dedit, cænavit. (Ter.[Tertullian?] And.)