Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 31

Riches. Literally, “honesty” has this sense. (Haydock)

The study of virtue and of the Scriptures removes temptations of the flesh. (St. Jerome, ad Rust.) (Worthington)

Hand. With too much anxiety. (Calmet)

Greek, “the solicitude of watching will drive away slumber, and a grievous malady will moderate sleep,” (Grabe; Haydock) or “sleep will alleviate a severe illness,” as experience evinces. (Calmet)

Poor. All have not equal success, Proverbs x. 22, and Psalm cxxvi. 1. (Drusius)

Justified. He is exposed to various temptations, 1 Timothy vi. 9.

To it. Being a sort of idol, Colossians iii. 5. (Calmet)

Woe. Greek, “and every,” &c.

Nor, &c. Greek, (9.) who, &c. “Pride is the worm of riches.” (St. Augustine)

“In delights, chastity is endangered; and humility in the midst of riches.” (St. Bernard, conv. Cler. xxx.)

Not to transgress, on such occasions, is the greatest miracle. (Calmet)

Man has free will, and those are happy, who, by God’s grace, do not abuse it. (Worthington)

In, &c. Alexandrian Greek, “and wisdom (Grabe substitutes the Church) shall proclaim his alms.” (Haydock)

God will bless his riches. (Calmet)

Be, &c. Greek, “do not open,” (Haydock) shew not too much greediness.

Wicked. Jealous or avaricious, as if the person feared lest he should have to prepare the like sumptuous entertainment, Proverbs xxiii. 1. Judas blamed the profusion of Magdalene, John xii. 5.

Face. Or portion set before him, 1 Kings i. 5. (Calmet)

When. Greek, “wheresoever it, (Haydock) or he (Calmet) shall look, stretch not forth thy hand, and strive not with him in the dish. Judge,” &c. Let the envious person (Haydock) or the master be served first. (Calmet)

Use. Greek, “in all act considerately. Eat like a man,” &c., (Haydock) not like a beast.

First. Yet not too soon, lest the others should seem to be gluttons. (Calmet)

Of all. Greek, “of them. How,” &c. (Haydock)

Politeness is grounded on virtue. (Calmet)

Wine. Greek specifies nothing, and to eat much is unwholesome. (Haydock)

Choler. Or the cholic. The intemperate, infrunito, (Calmet) Greek, “insatiable,” cannot sleep. (Haydock)

Vomit. Some have omitted this term as indelicate; but the Scripture does not approve of intemperance, while it advises the preventing of a disorder. A man’s stomach may sometimes be innocently overcharged. On such occasions, an emetic was prescribed. The ancients had not the same horror of it as moderns, Proverbs xxiii. 8. (Calmet)

Cicero, addressing Cæsar, says, Cum te vomere post cænam velli dixisses. (Pro. R. Dejot.)

And thou. Greek, “hear,” &c.

Quick. Intemperance and idleness are the great sources of illness.

Bread. And other provisions; while the miser is contemned, Proverbs xxii. 9. (Calmet)

Bread supports the body, and instruction the soul. If it be bad, it does the reverse. (Worthington)

Challenge. Not to fight, or rather (Haydock) to drink, Isaias v. 22. (Calmet)

Rebuke. Or disorder. Greek, “prove,” (Haydock) or “lay open.” (Calmet)

Consilium retegis Lydo. (Horace, iii. ode 21.)

Taken. Greek, “is as good as life,” &c.

Thou shalt. Greek, “what,” &c.

With. Greek, “destitute of wine, (35.) and this was created to,” &c.

And not. Greek, (36.) “sufficient wine taken in season is the,” &c.

Sober. Greek, (39.) “wine,” &c. (Haydock)

Anacharsis said that “the vine bore three clusters; the first of pleasure, the second of drunkenness, the third of discontent.” (Laertius i.)

Reproach. Alexander [the Great] transfixed Clytus for so doing. (Curtius viii.)

Again. By the pernicious custom of drinking healths, which still prevails in some countries, (Calmet) and occasions people to get drunk. (Drusius)

Such abuses ought to be discouraged by every one. (Haydock)