Even when a person suffers pain in consequence of a thorn…
“Even when a person suffers pain in consequence of a thorn having entered into his hand, although it is at once drawn out, it is a punishment that has been inflicted on him, and the least pleasure he enjoys is a reward; all this is meted out by strict justice; as is said in the Scripture, "all His ways are judgement" (Deut. xxxii. 4); we are only ignorant of the working of that judgement.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Suffering and reward are administered by divine justice, even when we cannot see its purpose.
In simple terms: Pain and pleasure are part of divine judgment.
Key Takeaway
Accept hardship as a lesson from higher justice.
Themes
justice
divine will
human suffering
theology
Mood
reflective
serene
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- illness
- personal loss
- ethical dilemmas
- faith crises
Key Concepts
predestination
moral order
spiritual growth
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you interpret personal suffering?
- Can hardship teach humility?
A Different Perspective
Human perception of justice may be limited, causing resentment.