V. 10.—He will also reveal their ear, that he may correct it; and he will speak, that they may return from iniquity. 56. Through love of heavenly glory, sins formerly committed become more grievous.—To reveal the ear from iniquity is to open the understanding of knowledge. And when the ear is revealed, each one is corrected, when inwardly he receives the desire of eternal goods, and recognizes what evils he committed outwardly. But by 'chains' and 'cords of poverty' the penalty even of temporal affliction can be understood, because often those who do not hear the words of Him who commands are admonished by the stripes of Him who strikes, so that at least penalties may draw to good desires those whom rewards do not invite. Whence it is said through the Prophet:
With bit and bridle bind fast the jaws of those who come not near to thee (Ps. 32:9). But if they despise even the scourges, it is certainly established that there they feel the punishments of a heavier vengeance, in proportion as here they trample upon the grace of a greater providence. Whence it follows: