But the Gloss objects that this can scarcely be understood literally of Solomon, because "he loved women, even foreign ones," as is evident from 3 Kings 11.
But the solution is clear through a distinction of times: in youth he loved purity, but in old age, lust. Nevertheless, these things can be better understood of Christ.
Third, the confidence of obtaining it.
(Vers. 21.). And as I knew, namely by the most certain cognition of faith and reason, that otherwise I cannot be continent unless God grant it. "For every best gift and every perfect gift is from above" etc., James 1; but continence is a most perfect gift: Sirach 26: "No weight is worthy of a continent soul." And this itself was wisdom, that is, a certain effect of wisdom in me, namely to know whose this gift was; above in the same: "She is the instructress of the discipline of God." As I knew, I say, etc., I went to the Lord, by the intention of the mind, not by the steps of the body. In the Psalm: "Come to him, and be enlightened." And I besought him, namely by the word of vocal prayer: James 1: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God." And I said from all my inmost heart, namely with the fervor of devotion, according to that word of Isaiah 26: "Yea, with my spirit in the morning within my inmost heart I will watch for thee"; in the Psalm: "I cried with my whole heart: hear me, O Lord."