But some one will say, What can sin be? Is it a living…
““But some one will say, What can sin be? Is it a living thing? Is it an angel? Is it a demon? What is this which works within us? It is not an enemy, O man, that assails thee from without, but an evil shoot growing up out of thyself. Look right on with thine eyes,5 and there is no lust. [Keep thine own, and ] seize not the things of others, and robbery has ceased.6 Remember the Judgment, and neither fornication, nor adultery, nor murder, nor any transgression of the law shall prevail with thee. But whenever thou forgettest God, forthwith thou beginnest to devise wickedness and to commit iniquity.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Sin is an internal moral failing, not an external enemy; it arises from within when we neglect divine guidance.
In simple terms: Sin comes from within when we ignore God.
Key Takeaway
Guard your thoughts and actions.
Themes
morality
spirituality
selfcontrol
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
didactic
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- ethical decision making
- spiritual practice
- confession
- self‑discipline
Key Concepts
theology
ethics
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize internal versus external temptations?
- What habits help keep your mind aligned with your values?
A Different Perspective
Sin can also be influenced by external pressures and societal factors.