Proverbs 2:1-9
#597 Proper of Saints Context (St. Benedict, Jul 11)
#806 Ritual Mass Context (VII. For the Blessing of Abbots and Abbesses, First Option)
My son, if you receive my words
and treasure my commands,
Turning your ear to wisdom,
inclining your heart to understanding;
Yes, if you call to intelligence,
and to understanding raise your voice;
If you seek her like silver,
and like hidden treasures search her out:
Then will you understand the fear of the LORD;
the knowledge of God you will find;
For the LORD gives wisdom,
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
He has counsel in store for the upright,
he is the shield of those who walk honestly,
Guarding the paths of justice,
protecting the way of his pious ones.
Then you will understand rectitude and justice,
honesty, every good path.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 2:1-9
This list of wisdom sayings is part of the first collection of sayings of Solomon. These verses are a loose collection of sayings that support various elements of the Law of Moses. The underlying theme is that God’s will is expressed by the faithful through the Holy Spirit operating within them and that the development of this spirit of holiness is more desirable than material wealth.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proverbs 3:27-34
#449 Weekday Year II Context (Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time)
Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim
when it is in your power to do it for him.
Say not to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,
tomorrow I will give,” when you can give at once.
Plot no evil against your neighbor,
against one who lives at peace with you.
Quarrel not with a man without cause,
with one who has done you no harm.
Envy not the lawless man
and choose none of his ways:
To the Lord the perverse one is an abomination,
but with the upright is his friendship.
The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
but the dwelling of the just he blesses;
When dealing with the arrogant, he is stern,
but to the humble he shows kindness.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 3:27-34
The fourth lesson in the book of Proverbs provides us with supports and clarifications to the Law of Moses. These verses, which are intended to direct the faithful to grow in holiness, stress service to God through kindness and service to one’s neighbor. Going further, the author enjoins the faithful not to envy the wicked, but to abhor that which God has deemed wicked. Those who act in arrogance or wickedness, say the Proverbs, will not find friendship with God, but will feel his punishment. The author closes the passage with assurance that the humble will find favor with God (see also 1 Peter 5:5-7; James 4:7-10).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proverbs 4:7-13
#806 Ritual Mass Context (VII. For the Blessing of Abbots and Abbesses, Second Option)
"The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom;
at the cost of all you have, get understanding.
Extol her, and she will exalt you;
she will bring you honors if you embrace her;
She will put on your head a graceful diadem;
a glorious crown will she bestow on you."
Hear, my son, and receive my words,
and the years of your life shall be many.
On the way of wisdom I direct you,
I lead you on straightforward paths.
When you walk, your step will not be impeded,
and should you run, you will not stumble.
Hold fast to instruction, never let her go;
keep her, for she is your life.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 4:7-13
This section of Proverbs extols the blessings and value of Wisdom. In these verses the faithful are told that the first step in achieving wisdom is to seek wisdom with one's whole heart. It is to be sought and cherished as a bride (see also Sirach 14:20-27; 51:13-22; and Wisdom 8:2). Following wisdom's precepts leads the follower to life in God's grace.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proverbs 8:17-21, 34-35
#32O-2 BVM Context (The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother and Teacher in the Spirit)
Wisdom says:
^Those who love me, I also love,
and those who seek me find me.
With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
My fruit is better than gold,
yes, than pure gold,
and my revenue than choice silver.
On the way of duty I walk,
along the paths of justice,
granting wealth to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.
Happy the person watching daily at my gates,
waiting at my doorposts;
for the one who finds me finds life,
and wins favor from the LORD."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 8:17-21, 34-35
This selection from the end of the first part of the Book of Wisdom is a poem about personified Wisdom. Wisdom provides the true riches that never perish nor do they become meaningless at the end of human life. Wisdom provides the wealth that is eternal. Since the sixth century, parts of this poem have been used in the Mass of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
"Mary, the all-holy ever-virgin Mother of God, is the masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time. For the first time in the plan of salvation and because his Spirit had prepared her, the Father found the dwelling place where his Son and his Spirit could dwell among men. In this sense the Church's Tradition has often read the most beautiful texts on wisdom in relation to Mary.[3] Mary is acclaimed and represented in the liturgy as the "Seat of Wisdom." (CCC 721)
In her, the "wonders of God" that the Spirit was to fulfill in Christ and the Church began to be manifested."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proverbs 8:22-31
#166C Solemnities C Context (Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity C)
#707 Commons Context (Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
#24O-I BVM Context (The Blessed Virgin Mary, Seat of Wisdom)
Thus says the wisdom of God:
"The Lord possessed me, the beginning of his ways,
the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago;
from of old I was poured forth,
at the first, before the earth.
When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no fountains or springs of water;
before the mountains were settled into place,
before the hills, I was brought forth;
while as yet the earth and fields were not made,
nor the first clods of the world.
"When the Lord established the heavens I was there,
when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep;
when he made firm the skies above,
when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth;
when he set for the sea its limit,
so that the waters should not transgress his command;
then was I beside him as his craftsman,
and I was his delight day by day,
playing before him all the while,
playing on the surface of his earth;
and I found delight in the human race."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 8:22-31
The author of Proverbs here reflects on the eternal nature of the plurality of persons in God. Wisdom here is used as a metaphor for Christ and the Holy Spirit, the first becoming incarnate and the second coming on the heels of the first. Concurrently we are reminded of the creative gift of the Triune God who delights in his people.
CCC: Prv 8:22-31 288
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proverbs 9:1-6
#119B Solemnities B Context (20th Sunday in Ordinary Time B)
#785 Ritual Mass Context (IV. For the Conferral of Ministries, 1. Institution of Acolytes, 6.)
#976 Votive Mass Context (For the Most Holy Eucharist, 7.)
Wisdom has built her house,
she has set up her seven columns;
she has dressed her meat, mixed her wine,
yes, she has spread her table.
She has sent out her maidens; she calls
from the heights out over the city:
“Let whoever is simple turn in here;
To the one who lacks understanding, she says,
Come, eat of my food,
and drink of the wine I have mixed!
Forsake foolishness that you may live;
advance in the way of understanding.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 9:1-6
This part of Proverbs begins a section loosely entitled: “Invitations of Wisdom and Folly." [1] In this reading we see Wisdom personified as a woman (also in Proverbs 1:20ff, less regal than Proverbs 8). The seven columns are probably Hebrew numerology symbolizing perfection rather than a reference to a specific building type or physical structure used. The food she offers is rich and sustaining (juxtaposed against the later offerings of folly. “Unstable and senseless folly furnishes the stolen bread and water of deceit and vice which bring death to her guests.”) [2]
There is a reference in the second half of the reading to the Israelites, the eschatological banquet promised by Yahweh (in Isaiah 25:6; 55:1-5). For Christians there is a clear eucharistic reference.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13
#450 Weekday Year II Context (Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time)
Like a stream is the king’s heart in the hand of the Lord;
wherever it pleases him, he directs it.
All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes,
but it is the Lord who proves hearts.
To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Haughty eyes and a proud heart–
the tillage of the wicked is sin.
The plans of the diligent are sure of profit,
but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty.
Whoever makes a fortune by a lying tongue
is chasing a bubble over deadly snares.
The soul of the wicked man desires evil;
his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes.
When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser;
when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
The just man appraises the house of the wicked:
there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin.
He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor
will himself also call and not be heard.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 21:1-6, 10-13
This list of wisdom sayings is part of the first collection of the sayings of Solomon. These verses are a loose collection of sayings that support various elements of the Law of Moses. The underlying theme is that God’s will is expressed by the faithful through the Holy Spirit operating within them, and that the development of this spirit of holiness is more desirable than material wealth.
“21:13 the cry of the poor: Concern for those in need is expressed several times in Proverbs (14:31; 17:5; 19:17; 22:9). Here, giving help to the poor and underprivileged is a condition for receiving similar treatment in return. The merciless can expect no mercy from the Lord in their own time of need (Matthew 5:7; 6:14-15) (CCC 2443-49) ▪ Poverty is crueler than a beast of prey. You must aid its victims and give ear to their cry. Give that you may receive, and hear that you may be heard. Almsgiving and charity crown us with the glory of God an bring us to the undying happiness that Christ gives to those who love him (St. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Luke 103).” [4]
#597 Proper of Saints Context (St. Benedict, Jul 11)
#806 Ritual Mass Context (VII. For the Blessing of Abbots and Abbesses, First Option)
My son, if you receive my words
and treasure my commands,
Turning your ear to wisdom,
inclining your heart to understanding;
Yes, if you call to intelligence,
and to understanding raise your voice;
If you seek her like silver,
and like hidden treasures search her out:
Then will you understand the fear of the LORD;
the knowledge of God you will find;
For the LORD gives wisdom,
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
He has counsel in store for the upright,
he is the shield of those who walk honestly,
Guarding the paths of justice,
protecting the way of his pious ones.
Then you will understand rectitude and justice,
honesty, every good path.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 2:1-9
This list of wisdom sayings is part of the first collection of sayings of Solomon. These verses are a loose collection of sayings that support various elements of the Law of Moses. The underlying theme is that God’s will is expressed by the faithful through the Holy Spirit operating within them and that the development of this spirit of holiness is more desirable than material wealth.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proverbs 3:27-34
#449 Weekday Year II Context (Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time)
Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim
when it is in your power to do it for him.
Say not to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,
tomorrow I will give,” when you can give at once.
Plot no evil against your neighbor,
against one who lives at peace with you.
Quarrel not with a man without cause,
with one who has done you no harm.
Envy not the lawless man
and choose none of his ways:
To the Lord the perverse one is an abomination,
but with the upright is his friendship.
The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
but the dwelling of the just he blesses;
When dealing with the arrogant, he is stern,
but to the humble he shows kindness.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 3:27-34
The fourth lesson in the book of Proverbs provides us with supports and clarifications to the Law of Moses. These verses, which are intended to direct the faithful to grow in holiness, stress service to God through kindness and service to one’s neighbor. Going further, the author enjoins the faithful not to envy the wicked, but to abhor that which God has deemed wicked. Those who act in arrogance or wickedness, say the Proverbs, will not find friendship with God, but will feel his punishment. The author closes the passage with assurance that the humble will find favor with God (see also 1 Peter 5:5-7; James 4:7-10).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proverbs 4:7-13
#806 Ritual Mass Context (VII. For the Blessing of Abbots and Abbesses, Second Option)
"The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom;
at the cost of all you have, get understanding.
Extol her, and she will exalt you;
she will bring you honors if you embrace her;
She will put on your head a graceful diadem;
a glorious crown will she bestow on you."
Hear, my son, and receive my words,
and the years of your life shall be many.
On the way of wisdom I direct you,
I lead you on straightforward paths.
When you walk, your step will not be impeded,
and should you run, you will not stumble.
Hold fast to instruction, never let her go;
keep her, for she is your life.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 4:7-13
This section of Proverbs extols the blessings and value of Wisdom. In these verses the faithful are told that the first step in achieving wisdom is to seek wisdom with one's whole heart. It is to be sought and cherished as a bride (see also Sirach 14:20-27; 51:13-22; and Wisdom 8:2). Following wisdom's precepts leads the follower to life in God's grace.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proverbs 8:17-21, 34-35
#32O-2 BVM Context (The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother and Teacher in the Spirit)
Wisdom says:
^Those who love me, I also love,
and those who seek me find me.
With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
My fruit is better than gold,
yes, than pure gold,
and my revenue than choice silver.
On the way of duty I walk,
along the paths of justice,
granting wealth to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.
Happy the person watching daily at my gates,
waiting at my doorposts;
for the one who finds me finds life,
and wins favor from the LORD."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 8:17-21, 34-35
This selection from the end of the first part of the Book of Wisdom is a poem about personified Wisdom. Wisdom provides the true riches that never perish nor do they become meaningless at the end of human life. Wisdom provides the wealth that is eternal. Since the sixth century, parts of this poem have been used in the Mass of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
"Mary, the all-holy ever-virgin Mother of God, is the masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time. For the first time in the plan of salvation and because his Spirit had prepared her, the Father found the dwelling place where his Son and his Spirit could dwell among men. In this sense the Church's Tradition has often read the most beautiful texts on wisdom in relation to Mary.[3] Mary is acclaimed and represented in the liturgy as the "Seat of Wisdom." (CCC 721)
In her, the "wonders of God" that the Spirit was to fulfill in Christ and the Church began to be manifested."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proverbs 8:22-31
#166C Solemnities C Context (Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity C)
#707 Commons Context (Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
#24O-I BVM Context (The Blessed Virgin Mary, Seat of Wisdom)
Thus says the wisdom of God:
"The Lord possessed me, the beginning of his ways,
the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago;
from of old I was poured forth,
at the first, before the earth.
When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no fountains or springs of water;
before the mountains were settled into place,
before the hills, I was brought forth;
while as yet the earth and fields were not made,
nor the first clods of the world.
"When the Lord established the heavens I was there,
when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep;
when he made firm the skies above,
when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth;
when he set for the sea its limit,
so that the waters should not transgress his command;
then was I beside him as his craftsman,
and I was his delight day by day,
playing before him all the while,
playing on the surface of his earth;
and I found delight in the human race."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 8:22-31
The author of Proverbs here reflects on the eternal nature of the plurality of persons in God. Wisdom here is used as a metaphor for Christ and the Holy Spirit, the first becoming incarnate and the second coming on the heels of the first. Concurrently we are reminded of the creative gift of the Triune God who delights in his people.
CCC: Prv 8:22-31 288
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proverbs 9:1-6
#119B Solemnities B Context (20th Sunday in Ordinary Time B)
#785 Ritual Mass Context (IV. For the Conferral of Ministries, 1. Institution of Acolytes, 6.)
#976 Votive Mass Context (For the Most Holy Eucharist, 7.)
Wisdom has built her house,
she has set up her seven columns;
she has dressed her meat, mixed her wine,
yes, she has spread her table.
She has sent out her maidens; she calls
from the heights out over the city:
“Let whoever is simple turn in here;
To the one who lacks understanding, she says,
Come, eat of my food,
and drink of the wine I have mixed!
Forsake foolishness that you may live;
advance in the way of understanding.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 9:1-6
This part of Proverbs begins a section loosely entitled: “Invitations of Wisdom and Folly." [1] In this reading we see Wisdom personified as a woman (also in Proverbs 1:20ff, less regal than Proverbs 8). The seven columns are probably Hebrew numerology symbolizing perfection rather than a reference to a specific building type or physical structure used. The food she offers is rich and sustaining (juxtaposed against the later offerings of folly. “Unstable and senseless folly furnishes the stolen bread and water of deceit and vice which bring death to her guests.”) [2]
There is a reference in the second half of the reading to the Israelites, the eschatological banquet promised by Yahweh (in Isaiah 25:6; 55:1-5). For Christians there is a clear eucharistic reference.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13
#450 Weekday Year II Context (Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time)
Like a stream is the king’s heart in the hand of the Lord;
wherever it pleases him, he directs it.
All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes,
but it is the Lord who proves hearts.
To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Haughty eyes and a proud heart–
the tillage of the wicked is sin.
The plans of the diligent are sure of profit,
but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty.
Whoever makes a fortune by a lying tongue
is chasing a bubble over deadly snares.
The soul of the wicked man desires evil;
his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes.
When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser;
when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
The just man appraises the house of the wicked:
there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin.
He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor
will himself also call and not be heard.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 21:1-6, 10-13
This list of wisdom sayings is part of the first collection of the sayings of Solomon. These verses are a loose collection of sayings that support various elements of the Law of Moses. The underlying theme is that God’s will is expressed by the faithful through the Holy Spirit operating within them, and that the development of this spirit of holiness is more desirable than material wealth.
“21:13 the cry of the poor: Concern for those in need is expressed several times in Proverbs (14:31; 17:5; 19:17; 22:9). Here, giving help to the poor and underprivileged is a condition for receiving similar treatment in return. The merciless can expect no mercy from the Lord in their own time of need (Matthew 5:7; 6:14-15) (CCC 2443-49) ▪ Poverty is crueler than a beast of prey. You must aid its victims and give ear to their cry. Give that you may receive, and hear that you may be heard. Almsgiving and charity crown us with the glory of God an bring us to the undying happiness that Christ gives to those who love him (St. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Luke 103).” [4]
CCC: Prv 21:1 269
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proverbs 30:5-9
#451 Weekday Year II Context (Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time)
Every word of God is tested;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Add nothing to his words,
lest he reprove you, and you will be exposed as a deceiver.
Two things I ask of you,
deny them not to me before I die:
Put falsehood and lying far from me,
give me neither poverty nor riches;
provide me only with the food I need;
Lest, being full, I deny you,
saying, “Who is the Lord?”
Or, being in want, I steal,
and profane the name of my God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 30:5-9
This passage from Proverbs, part of the oracle of Agur (likely the name of the oracle rather than a person), focuses on humility and trust. Trust in God makes the lived word of God protection from pride and sin. This is followed with an exhortation to never forget that it is through God’s bounty all things come. The oracle prays that great wealth and abundance never come if the recipient forgets God, and instead worships the bounty given.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
#157A Sundays A Context (33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time A)-
#540 Proper of Saints Context (St. Francis of Rome, Mar 9)
#623A Proper of Saints Context (St. Jane Frances De Chantal, Aug 12)
#691> 623A Proper of Saints Context (St. Jane Frances De Chantal, Dec 12 moved to Aug 12 in US)
#737 Commons Context (Common of Holy Men and Women)
#801 Ritual Mass Context (VI. For the Conferral of the Sacrament of Marriage, 6.) ^
When one finds a worthy wife,
her value is far beyond pearls.
Her husband, entrusting his heart to her,
has an unfailing prize.
She brings him good, and not evil,
all the days of her life.
She obtains wool and flax
and makes cloth with skillful hands.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her fingers ply the spindle.
She reaches out her hands to the poor,
and extends her arms to the needy.
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;
the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her a reward of her labors,
and let her works praise her at the city gates.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
This entire section (Proverbs 31:10-31) is an acrostic poem (each strophe starting with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet). It is sincere praise for the virtuous wife (unlike Ecclesiastes 7:28 in which the author finds guile) and is intended to be a model for the good Hebrew wife to follow. The strophes selected emphasize first the esteem in which she is to be held by all (not just her family), and next the example of diligence in the tasks she performs. The concluding strophe is praise for the woman who “fears the Lord,” as indicated earlier in Proverbs 9:10 and 1:7. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Notation indicates transfer of date/number in US
^ Citation was omitted from the Lectionary Index
[1] See Jerome Biblical Commentary, Prentice Hall, Inc., © 1968, pp.500, 24.
[2]See NAB footnote on Proverbs 9:1-6
[3] Cf. Prov 8:1-9:6; Sir 24.
[4] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, © 2012, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA. p. 40
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