Since God, therefore, gave [to man] such mental power…
![“Since God, therefore, gave [to man] such mental power (magnanimitatem) man knew both the good of obedience and the evil of disobedience, that the eye of the mind, receiving experience of both, may with judgment make choice of the better things; and that he may never become indolent or neglectful…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/d84/the-church-fathers-1438_better-things_since-god-therefore-gave-to-man-such-men_1003632.jpg)
““Since God, therefore, gave [to man] such mental power (magnanimitatem) man knew both the good of obedience and the evil of disobedience, that the eye of the mind, receiving experience of both, may with judgment make choice of the better things; and that he may never become indolent or neglectful of God’s command; and learning by experience that it is an evil thing which deprives him of life, that is, disobedience to God, may never attempt it at all, but that, knowing that what preserves his life, namely, obedience to God, is good, he may diligently keep it with all earnestness. Wherefore he has also had a twofold experience, possessing knowledge of both kinds, that with discipline he may make choice of the better things. But how, if he had no knowledge of the contrary, could he have had instruction in that which is good? For””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage argues that experience of both obedience and disobedience teaches judgment, urging continual obedience to divine command for a good.
In simple terms: Experiencing both good and bad guides moral choices toward obedience.
Key Takeaway
Learn from both obedience and disobedience to choose good.
Themes
ethics
experience
judgment
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
religious
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- spiritual practice
- education
Key Concepts
moral development
divine command
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance obedience with critical thinking?
- What role does personal experience play in moral growth?
A Different Perspective
Strict obedience may suppress healthy questioning.