Lectionary Calendar
Friday, April 19th, 2024
the Third Week after Easter
the Third Week after Easter
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Bible Commentaries
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary Haydock's Catholic Commentary
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Bibliographical Information
Haydock, George Leo. "Commentary on Wisdom of Solomon 38". "Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/hcc/wisdom-of-solomon-38.html. 1859.
Haydock, George Leo. "Commentary on Wisdom of Solomon 38". "Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary". https://www.studylight.org/
Verse 1
Honour and pay, Proverbs viii. 9. (Calmet) --- Greek adds, "with his fees." (Haydock) --- The health of body and soul must be regarded. (Worthington)
Verse 2
King. Physicians were formerly kept at the king’s expense. (Pliny, [Natural History?] xxix. 1.)
Verse 4
Them, as he will all superstitious remedies. (Calmet) --- "A crowd of physicians killed Cæsar," said Adrian, on his death-bed. They often try experiments, and kill with impunity, (Pliny xxix. 1.) --- Yet we must not condemn the prudent use of medicine. (Calmet)
Verse 5
Wood, of various sorts. (Grotius) --- Many suppose that he alludes to the miracle of Moses, (Exodus xv. 25.) who thus was supernaturally informed (Calmet) of the effects of a certain wood. (Tirinus) (Menochius) (St. Augustine, q. lvii. in Ex.)
Verse 6
The. Greek, "that his or its virtue might be known by man."
Verse 7
These plants. --- And of. Greek, "Of these the maker of ointments shall compose a mixture and his works are not yet finished, when peace (health) from him appears on the face of the earth." (Haydock) --- Disease flee before him; so powerful are his medicines, that the very smell effects a cure.
Verse 9
Thee. We must neither trust too much in physicians, (2 Paralipomenon xvi. 12.) nor despise them, as this would be tempting God.
Verse 10
Sin. All diseases are in consequence of original sin, and may are inflicted for actual transgressions, John ix. 2., and 1 Corinthians xi. 30., and Numbers xii. 10. (Calmet)
Verse 11
Then. Greek, "as being no longer. Yet give," &c. (Haydock) --- Be converted and offer sacrifice, as if there were no hopes of life. Still do not despair. (Calmet)
Verse 13
Thou. Greek, "a sweet smell (success) shall be in their hands." (Haydock)
Verse 15
Physician. This state is very troublesome, and a punishment of sin, ver. 10.
Verse 16
Burial. Thus we must shew our respect for the deceased. The Jews also prayed for them, 2 Machabees xii. 42. (Calmet) --- "The care....and pomp of funerals are rather the consolations of survivors than of service to the dead." (St. Augustine, cura 2.)
Verse 17
For. Greek, "and shed burning tears of mourning, (18.) and lament for," &c. (Haydock) --- Sorrow would be unsuitable for the saints, and useless for the damned, who being rebellious to God do not deserve our lamentations. Yet nature dictates, and people expect we should allow something to the first emotions of sorrow, (Calmet) for a day or two; and we may receive the consolatory visits of our friends, during the seven days of mourning, chap. xxii. 13., and John xi. 19. (St. Paulin. ad Pam.) --- To avoid the evil reports of men, we must shew ourselves to be really sorry; yet we must not suffer grief to hurt our health. (Worthington)
Verse 19
And the, &c., is not in Greek. Excessive sorrow brings on sickness, and renders us unfit for any thing.
Verse 20
Aside, in solitude. --- Substance; or what the poor has to live on, will seem sweet or bitter according as he is affected with joy or grief.
Verse 21
End. This is the chief utility derived from attending funerals.
Verse 23
Thee. A man on his death-bed, or already dead, is introduced speaking. (Calmet)
Verse 24
Him. Greek, "thyself." He is at rest, we hope; (Haydock) be thou so too. (Calmet)
Verse 25
A scribe; that is, a doctor of the law, or a learned man. (Challoner) --- Sorrow (Haydock) and too much employment, are injurious to learning. (Calmet) --- Sapientiæ otia negotia sunt. (St. Bernard, ser. 85. Cant.) --- When pastors have leisure, they would do well to write, in imitation of St. Paul, &c. (Worthington)
Verse 28
Work: engraving on gold, or silver, or on precious stones.
Verse 29
Sitting. Such was the ancient custom of smiths, (Calmet) who carried all their implements with them, and laboured with much pain. (Chardin.)
Verse 33
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Verse 34
Glazing. The earthen vessel would otherwise spoil all but oil and water. (Calmet)
Verse 37
Dwell. Greek, "travel," to get a livelihood, (Grotius) or to acquire wisdom, (chap. xxxiv. 9., and xxxix. 5.) and walk about like the ancient philosophers. They shall not be chosen magistrates. (Calmet)
Verse 38
Spoken. They have not leisure to attend the lectures of sages; (Haydock) nor are they ever quoted by them.
Verse 39
World, giving children to the commonwealth, (Menochius) and employing themselves in useful arts. The Jews would not allow magicians, players, &c., to reside in their country. --- Craft. They pray that they may succeed in their employment, while some also strive to comply with their religious duties. (Calmet) --- Applying. Greek refers this to the following chapter, "As for him who applies his soul and meditates on the law of the Most High, he will," &c. (Haydock)