Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Ecclesiastes 7:20

Western Saints

Jerome

"Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. For there is not a just man on the earth, that does good and does not sin. "Therefore wisdom strengthens the righteous, and not even the aid of all the citizens of the city can help him, for although someone may be righteous, yet while he is alive he is subject to vices and sins, and he therefore needs greater protection. …

Commentary on Ecclesiastes ↗

Gregory the Dialogist

Because the prophet says, "Behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sin did my mother bring me forth," no one coming into the world with sin can be sinless. That is why the same prophet says, "No one living shall be considered righteous in your sight," and Solomon, "There is no righteous man on earth, who does good, and does not sin."

Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 39 ↗

Bede

The Lord himself gives us sure confidence of obtaining what we properly ask when he adds, "Therefore if you, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father from heaven give his good Spirit to those who ask him?" His disciples were good, as far as human judgment can see. He calls them "evil" because there is surely no one in this life who is capable of being free from moral faults, as Solomon states when he says, "There is not a just person on earth, who does good and does not sin."

Homilies on the Gospels 2:14 ↗