Proverbs 4

Proverbs 4:1

Father. He shews the greatest respect for his parents, ver. 3. (Calmet)

Proverbs 4:3

As. This is not expressed. (Haydock) — But Solomon was not the only son of Bethsabee, as St. Luke (iii. 23.) specifies Nathan, his brother. See 2 Kings xii. 24. Septuagint have “beloved in,” &c.

Proverbs 4:4

He. Hebrew is masculine. (Calmet) — As David instructed his son, so the latter teaches all how they may learn wisdom. (Worthington)

Proverbs 4:7

Beginning. The first part of wisdom is to desire it. For nothing hindereth from being just, but that justice is not desired. (St. Augustine, in Psalm cxviii. 20.) (Worthington) — “Wisdom is the principal part; therefore get,” &c. (Protestants) (Haydock) — It is the one thing necessary. (Calmet) — The pearl, to acquire which we must part with every thing else, if required, Matthew xiii. 46. (Menochius)

Proverbs 4:17

Wickedness. Acquired thereby, or they make sin their food, chap. xxvi. 6.

Proverbs 4:18

Day. They are children of light, (John xii. 35.) and give edification, always advancing in virtue. (Menochius)

Proverbs 4:19

Fall. They are unconcerned about sin, and neither avoid it, nor strive to repent. (Calmet)

Proverbs 4:22

Flesh. All may derive benefit from their consideration. (Haydock)

Proverbs 4:23

From it. As the heart is the principal part of the body, so the will is the chief power of the soul, from which good or evil proceeds. (Worthington) — A clean heart gives life, a corrupt one, death, Matthew xv. 11, 19.

Proverbs 4:24

From thee. Neither detract, nor give any countenance to detractors.

Proverbs 4:25

Steps. Be attentive to thy own affairs, Proverbs xvii. 24.

Proverbs 4:26

Straight. Hebrew, “ponder.” Examine what thou takest in hand, and walk not at random, Hebrews xii. 13.

Proverbs 4:27

For, &c. What follows in not in Hebrew or the Complutensian(Calmet) Septuagint. But it is in the Roman [Septuagint], &c., (Haydock) and in the new edition of St. Jerome, as it was explained by Ven. Bede. Lyranus and Cajetan reject it. (Calmet)

Proverbs 4:35

CHAPTER IV.