Proverbs 17

Proverbs 17:1

Victims. Of which part was used for a feast, chap. vii. 14. (Calmet) — Septuagint add, “of many goods, and unjust victims.” (Haydock)

Proverbs 17:2

Brethren. Partaking with them, (Abenezra; Tirinus; Menochius) or rather acting as his master’s executor; which evinces the advantages of wisdom, so as to raise a slave above those whom his station requires him to serve. Such was Joseph, who was tried.

Proverbs 17:4

Lips. They mutually deceive one another, as well as others.

Proverbs 17:6

Fathers. Whose virtues they are bound to imitate.

Proverbs 17:7

Eloquent. Septuagint, “faithful.” They cannot be expected from them.

Proverbs 17:8

Expecteth heavenly things. Septuagint, “instruction is the reward of good deeds to those who use it.”

Proverbs 17:9

Friends. Detractors cause dissensions, and even wars.

Proverbs 17:10

Fools. “A word is enough for the wise.” Nobilis equus umbra virg'e6 regitur, ignavus ne calcari quidem. (Q. Curtius)

Proverbs 17:11

Angel. Messenger of death, (Menochius) which is sometimes inflicted by good, at others by bad, angels of death, or satan, 2 Corinthians xii. 7., and Psalm lxxvii. 49.

Proverbs 17:12

Fool. Hebrew, “fool in his folly.” The danger is not greater in meeting (Calmet) a female bear, though it be the most terrible. (Aristotle, Anim. ix. 1.)

Proverbs 17:14

Water. It is scarcely possible to prevent the bad effects of detraction. Frequent quarrels have also risen on account of springs, Genesis xxvi. 20. — Judgment. And gives up the cause, as being much more prudent, Matthew v. 25, 40.

Proverbs 17:15

God. We ought to suspend our judgment, or incline to the more favourable side, Matthew vii. 1., and Romans ii. 1.

Proverbs 17:16

He, &c., is not here in Hebrew, though it be equivalently (ver. 19.) where the Septuagint are silent. (Calmet)

Proverbs 17:17

Distress. Like the real friend, chap. xviii. 24.

Proverbs 17:18

Hands. Through joy, or as a mark of his consent.

Proverbs 17:19

Door. Sixtus V reads, “mouth:” as some explain the door to mean. A large door supposes that the house is elevated, and thus exposed to danger from winds, &c.

Proverbs 17:24

Earth. Wandering and insatiable, and deeming the acquisition of wisdom too difficult.

Proverbs 17:26

No good. But very criminal. See Jeremias vii. 31.

Proverbs 17:27

Precious and reserved spirit. This is a mark of wisdom. (Calmet)

Proverbs 17:33

CHAPTER XVII.