Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Job 31:8

Western Saints

Gregory the Dialogist

Then let me sow, and let another eat; let my offspring be rooted out. After the manner of Sacred Revelation we call it to 'sow' to preach the words of life. Thus it is hence the Prophet says, Blessed are ye that sow upon all waters. For the preachers of Holy Church he saw to 'sow upon all waters' because they bestowed the words of life, like grains of heavenly bread, upon all peoples far and wide. But to 'eat' is to be filled to the full with good works. Hence Truth saith by Itself; My meat is to do the will of Him That sent Me. …

Morals on the Book of Job, Book XXI ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Now it is just that if one takes the goods of another, he should also have his goods despoiled by others, and so he says, "let me sow and another reap," as if to say: I have stolen another's goods, let others take my goods away. This is an execratory oath. Men often steal the goods of another so that they can amass wealth for their children, as the prophet Nahum said, "the lion seized what was sufficient for his cubs." (Nah. …

Commentary on Job ↗