Proverbs — Chapter 13

Qui custodit os suum, custodit animam suam: qui autem inconsideratus est ad loquendum, sentiet mala

He who guards his mouth guards his soul; but he who opens his lips rashly shall feel evil. Lapide: Custody of the tongue is presented as equivalent to custody of the soul — a remarkable equation. The soul is endangered not only by sins of action but equally by sins of speech. \"Qui custodit os\" — he who guards his mouth by silence (when silence is better), by truth (always), by charity (saying nothing harmful about others), and by prudence (speaking only when beneficial. Lapide cites James 3:2 (\"The man who does not offend in word is a perfect man\") and many patristic sources on the discipline of speech.

Spes quae differtur, affligit animam: lignum vitae, desiderium veniens

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Lapide: A profound psychological observation. \"Spes differtur\" = hope for something greatly desired that is long delayed — this is one of the keenest of human sufferings. Lapide applies this to the souls in Purgatory (whose hope for beatific vision is deferred), to the righteous suffering under persecution, and to anyone in a state of prolonged trial. \"Lignum vitae\" = the fulfillment of hope, when it finally comes, is supremely life-giving and joyful. Lapide applies this supremely to eternal life — the fullness of all hope.

Qui parcit virgae suae, odit filium suum: qui autem diligit illum, instanter erudit

He who spares the rod hates his son; but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. Lapide: This famous proverb on parental correction is explained at length. True paternal love does not shrink from necessary correction, even corporal. \"Qui parcit virgae suae\" = who withholds deserved correction. Lapide: Excessive indulgence is a form of hatred — it leaves the child's vices uncorrected and sets him on the path to ruin. \"Instanter erudit\" = diligently disciplines — correction must be prompt, consistent, and motivated by love, not anger or frustration. Lapide cites St. Augustine on the correction of Alypius from the gladiatorial shows and the Desert Fathers on monastic discipline.