Fathers

Loading…

What the Fathers say

Ecclesiastes 8:1

Eastern Fathers

Gregory of Neocaesarea

Moreover, wisdom, when it is found in a man, shows itself also in its possessor's face, and makes his countenance to shine; as, on the other hand, effrontery convicts the man in whom it has taken up its abode, so soon as he is seen, as one worthy of hatred. And it is on every account right to give careful heed to the words of the king, and by all manner of means to avoid an oath, especially one taken in the name of God. …

A Metaphrase of the Book of Ecclesiastes ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

"Who is like the wise man? And who knows what things mean? A man's wisdom lights up his face, and the boldness of his face is transformed. "He had taught above that it is hard to find a good man, and he had answered the question to the contrary, saying that men are made good by God, but that they fall into sin because of their own free will. Now he lists what qualities God has given to a good man, to show his glory: wisdom obviously, and reason and providence, and he knows that the secrets that are hidden by God enter his heart. …

Commentary on Ecclesiastes ↗

Bonaventure

Above he described the vanity of concupiscence. Here against that vanity he intends to give the remedy of wisdom: for no one is rescued from concupiscence unless he walks with wisdom. He exhorts therefore in this part to adhere to wisdom from a fourfold consideration: first, from the consideration of its nobility; second, of its power; third, of its utility; fourth, of the opportuneness of time. …

Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Chapter 8 ↗