Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Exodus 22:1

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Therefore the thief being taken pays fourfold, but he that spoils by violence is worse than he that steals. And if this last ought to give fourfold what he stole, the extortioner should give tenfold and much more; and it is much if even so he can make atonement for his injustice; for of almsgiving not even then will he receive the reward. …

Homilies On The Gospel Of Matthew 52.6 ↗

Western Saints

Gregory the Dialogist

Some think that the precepts of the Old Testament are stricter than those of the New; but these are certainly deceived by careless consideration. For in the Old Testament, not avarice but robbery is punished. There, property unjustly taken is punished by fourfold restitution. But here this rich man is not blamed for taking what belonged to others, but for not giving what was his own. Nor is it said that he oppressed anyone by violence, but that he exalted himself in the things he had received. …

40 Homilies on the Gospels, Homily 40 ↗