Affliction Quote by Joseph Hall
“No marvel if the worldling escape earthly afflictions. God corrects him not. He is base born and begot. God will not do him the favour to whip him. The world afflicts him not, because it loves him: for each man is indulgent to his own. God uses not the rod where He means to use the Word. The pillory or scourge is for those malefactors that shall escape execution.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Moral Reflections, 1660
God does not punish the naturally flawed; punishment is reserved for willful evildoers, and divine correction comes through the Word, not physical suffering.
In simple terms: God spares the naturally flawed, punishes the wicked with words, not whips.
Key Takeaway
Seek moral improvement through teachings, not fear of punishment.
Themes
theology
justice
human nature
divine correction
morality
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- legal judgments
- educational settings
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
original sin
divine mercy
ethical accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect justice systems?
- What is the role of suffering in moral growth?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the role of consequences in behavior change.
![“If one says the loving God corrects every Pope in his successor – in what ways are you being corrected through Pope Francis? [Laughs] Yes, I would say, in his direct contact with people. That is, I think, very important.” quote by Pope Benedict XVI](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/035/pope-benedict-xvi-414_love_if-one-says-the-loving-god-corrects-ever_649811.jpg)
![“May I strike my heart's keys clearly, and may none fail because of slack, uncertain, or fraying strings. May the tears that stream down my face make me more radiant: may my hidden weeping bloom… How we waste our afflictions!... [T]hey're really our wintering foliage, our dark greens of meaning…” quote by Rainer Maria Rilke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7c7/rainer-maria-rilke-193_abode_may-i-strike-my-heart-s-keys-clearly-and_52479.jpg)
