Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Job 34:14

Western Saints

Gregory the Dialogist

If he hath directed his heart towards Him, He will gather to Himself his spirit, and his breath. The heart is crooked, when it seeks for things below. It is made straight when it is raised to things above. If a man therefore direct his heart to the Lord, the Lord draws to Himself his spirit and his breath. He uses, namely, spirit for inward thoughts, but breath, which is drawn through the body, for outward actions. …

Morals on the Book of Job, Book XXIV ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Second, he shows by experience that there is no violence or evil in God. For so great is his power by which he conserves things in being, that if he should wish to use violence against his justice, he could immediately annihilate all men. So he says, "If he (God) should turn to him (to destroy man) his heart (his will) his spirit (his soul) and breath (the life of the body supported by the soul) he will draw to himself," separating it from the body by his power. …

Commentary on Job ↗