Gregory the Dialogist

For the vain man is exalted in pride, and thinketh himself free born like a wild ass's colt. For it is the end of vanity, whereas it mangles the heart by sin, to render it bold by the offence, so that, forgetful of its guiltiness, the soul which feels no sorrow to have lost its innocency, blinded by a righteous retribution, should at the same time part with humility also; and it very often happens, that, enslaving itself to unlawful desires, it rids itself of the yoke of the fear of the Lord; and as if henceforth at liberty for the …

Morals on the Book of Job, Book X ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Just as man turns to evil from vanity, so man does not think he is subject to divine judgment from the same vanity. He therefore continues, "The vain man puffs himself up with pride," so that he does not believe he is subject to a superior. So he continues, "He thinks he is born as free as the foal of a wild ass." The foal of a wild ass is born free from the domestication of man. However, the foal of the asses which are born in human possession are born to serve the needs of man. …

Commentary on Job ↗