Eusebius of Caesarea

In his own words on Sirach

• Sirach 8:10

  Saul chased David, who in fact carried out these words, "When they persecute you in this city, flee into another." He fled in order not to irritate his enemy with his presence and to become for him a reason to spill blood. In fact, David grasped the saying, "Do not incite the arm of a sinner," better than anyone. This is why he withdrew and moved away, although he was loved by all the people and had many who shared his pains and his sorrow and who would have been able to receive him and hide him in their homes. But, in order not to become a cause of danger to others, he fled into the desert and preferred to live in caves. It seems to me that the holy apostle also alludes to him when he says, "They wandered in deserts, in the mountains, in dens and in caves of the earth."

  COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 2:56

• Sirach 18:13

  "Salvation is far from sinners, since they have not sought your decrees. Many are your mercies, Lord. Give me life according to your judgment." It is said, "The compassion of a person is toward his neighbor: but the mercy of God is on all flesh." As much as one might appear extremely just when compared with human beings, before God's severe judgment he has need of mercy. Even the very fact that he seems just is due to the mercy of God, since who has ever done anything worthy of eternal blessedness and the kingdom of heaven without God's help?

  COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 5:118

• Sirach 26:3

  "Your wife like a fruitful vine." This is given to him who, though still imperfect, fears the Lord, but it does not hold for one who loves him with all his soul, all his heart and all his strength. For him, there are "those things that eye has not seen," etc. To one who fears the Lord is given a consort of whom it is said, "A good wife is good fate" and "A strong woman, who can find her?" She is more precious than the most costly stones. An evil consort is wrath that comes from God.

  COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 5:127