Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 21

Thee. The just may offend: but the wicked relapse continually.

Hold. Greek, “bite,” (Calmet) in the same sense. (Menochius)

Serpents sting in secret: so all sins inveigle the soul. (Worthington)

Lion. Yet only those are hurt, who consent to sin. The devil may go round about, (1 Peter v. 8.) and tempt; (Calmet) he cannot bite, except a man willingly expose himself, and come near, ver. 2.

Remedy. In man. (Haydock)

Only the sovereign physician can cure it. (Calmet)

Riches. As they make enemies arise. Greek subjoins, “so the house of the proud shall be made desolate.” (Haydock)

Roboam lost ten tribes by an insolent answer, and the Tarquins were expelled for their pride.

Speedily. God is the protector of the poor, Psalm x. 5.

Sinner. He rejects all medicines. How shall he be cured? (Calmet)

They who fear God, will examine their actions when they are warned. (Worthington)

By him. And to avoid his reproaches. Greek, “knoweth when he is ruined.” (Haydock)

He is more reserved, and escapes the dangers of talkativeness.

Winter. This season is unfit for building; so the man who borrows, may be forced to pay again (Calmet) before it is convenient for him. (Haydock)

Injustice will bring on ruin, Jeremias xxiii. 13. Some Greek copies have, “stones for a heap over his tomb,” as Achan and Absalom were treated. Reputation, or goods ill-acquired, will not continue long. (Worthington)

Fire. All their grandeur will end in smoke. (Haydock)

Malachias iv. 1., and Matthew xiii. 30.

Stones. It is broad and easy, Matthew vii.

Thereof. Practice makes perfect. A painter may produce a better piece by this means, than one who is more acquainted with theory, (Calmet) and neglects it. (Haydock)

Bitterness. True wisdom promotes the general good.

Of life. Which never fails, John iv. 14., and vii. 38.

Church. Or assembly, Job xxix. 11, 21. (Calmet)

All good people dislike senseless talk, and approve of what is edifying. (Worthington)

Fool. All is in confusion, like a heap of ruins.

Hand. He esteems instruction burdensome.

Low. A smiling countenance is commendable, but loud laughter is to be avoided. (Clement, Pæd. ii. 5.)

It causes too great a change, (Plato, Rep. 3.) and is a mark of folly, Ecclesiastes vii. 5. (St. Augustine, contra Acad. ii. 2.)

House. And meddles with the concerns of others. (Calmet)

Of the mighty, is not in Greek. The wise will not easily receive invitations. (Haydock)

Window. Greek, “door” with impudence. (Calmet)

Heart. Understanding. (Haydock)

The wise speak with reflection, Proverbs xvi. 23.

While the ungodly, &c. He condemneth and curseth himself; inasmuch as by sin he takes part with the devil, and is, as it were, his member and subject. (Challoner)

In vain does he lay the blame of his sins on the devil, ver. 3. (Calmet)

He condemns himself by imitating the wicked, Luke xix. (Worthington)

By all. Greek, “in the neighbourhood.” The rest is omitted. (Haydock)