The LORD tests the righteous: but the wicked and him that loves violence his soul hates.
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Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
9. "The Lord questioneth the righteous and ungodly" (ver. 5). Why then do we fear lest the ungodly should be any hurt to us, if so be they do with insincere heart share the sacraments with us, seeing that He "questioneth the righteous and the ungodly." "But whoso loveth iniquity, hateth his own soul:" that is, not him who believeth God, and putteth not his hope in man, but only his own soul doth the lover of iniquity hurt.
Trieth, interrogat, which is rendered by examine, ver. 5. (Haydock)
God juridically questions all, (Calmet) and makes them give an exact account of themselves, even of every idle word. (Haydock)
The word also means that he punishes, or chastises. (Calmet)
Hebrew, "the Lord trieth the just, but his soul hateth the wicked, and the lover of iniquity. "(St. Jerome) (Haydock)
Yet the original may be explained in the sense of the Septuagint which is more beautiful and instructive; as the sinner will hardly believe that he is his own greatest enemy. (Berthier)
By continuing in sin he brings damnation on his soul. (Worthington)
