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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." For that worldly gain is nothing, is manifest, because it is left behind, and does not attend us, or go along with us at our departure. Whence is this plain? Because we had nothing when we came into this world, therefore we shall have nothing when we depart from it. For nature came naked into the world, and naked she will go out of it. Therefore we want no superfluities; if we brought nothing with us, and shall take nothing away with us.
Theophylact of Ohrid
The Apostle shows that the gain which those people seek has no significance whatsoever. For it remains here and does not accompany us there. Therefore, what need have we of surplus, if we shall carry nothing with us there?
Oecumenius
For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. For we brought nothing into the world. If we have brought nothing in, and we can take nothing out, what need is there to have more than what is necessary? But if we have food and clothing. …
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
But the world retains its hold on us. On all sides its charms decoy us. We like lots of money, we like splendid honors, we like power to overawe others. We like all these things, but let's listen to the apostle, "We brought nothing into this world, neither can we take anything out." Honor should be looking for you, not you for it. You, after all, should sit down in the humbler place, so he that invited you may make you go up to a more honored place. …
Thomas Aquinas
Then when he says, for we brought nothing into this world, he gives the reason for his statement: first, from man's condition; second, from his needs, at having food. Man's conditions he describes from man's beginnings, because we brought nothing into this world. As if to say: what is necessary is enough, and there is no need for superfluities, because we brought nothing into this world: naked came I out of my mother's womb (Job 1:21). …
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