Since, as has been said, princes and prelates, and consequently all people, are urged in this book to the study and love of wisdom; but because wisdom cannot be had without the observance of justice: for into a malevolent soul wisdom will not enter, etc., below in chapter one; likewise Ecclesiasticus chapter one: Son, desiring wisdom, keep justice: therefore according to the Gloss, he first exhorts to justice, namely up to the sixth chapter; second, to wisdom, namely from the sixth chapter to the end.
Part I. Exhortation to Justice.
In the first part he does three things according to the three parts of general justice. For first he treats of the justice of man with respect to God, in chapter one; second, of justice with respect to neighbor, in chapters two and three; third, of the justice of man with respect to himself, in chapters four and five.
First, on the threefold justice of man with respect to God.
In the first, he first stirs to justice of the heart; second, of the mouth: He is benign; third, of work: Do not be zealous.
The justice of the heart is treated in three ways.
In the first, he first sets forth an exhortation to the good of justice; second, the advantage of acquiescing: For it is found; third, the detriment of those who despise: For perverse thoughts, etc.
In the first, first as to right affection, saying: Love justice; second, as to right estimation: Think of the Lord; third, as to right intention: And in simplicity.