CHAP. IV.
Verse 1. ANd behold the tears of such as were oppressed.] It is in Hebrew Lacryma, a* 1.1 tear. It may be either to shew, that there should be so much compassion toward the afflicted, as one single tear, or the first tear that they shed should win relief; or (as one observeth) to shew the neglect of pity in those that have suffer∣ed the oppressed to wait and weep so long to crave help, yet still delayed, as they could weep no more, had only one tear left.
Vers. 2. Wherefore I praised the dead, which are already dead.] The word signi∣fies Encomiis celebrare, to sing out praises and pronounce them happy; It is spoken of godly men, their state of death is better than their own estate, or the estate of other righteous men alive.
Vers. 5. The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.] The sluggard* 1.2 will not work.
Eateth his own flesh.] Is cruell to himself, starves himself, or through sloth he is brought into such want, that if he will eat, he must eat his own flesh.
Vers. 8. Yea there is no end of his labour.] No natural nor moral end.
Vers. 13. Better is a poor and a wise childe, than an old and foolish King, who will no more be admonished.] The more folly, the more obstinacy, and the more obstinacy, the more impatience of admonition.