Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Ecclesiastes 4:10

Eastern Fathers

Gregory of Nyssa

Therefore, since most embrace virginity while still young and unformed in understanding, this before anything else should be their employment, to search out a fitting guide and master of this way, lest, in their present ignorance, they should wander from the direct route, and strike out new paths of their own in trackless wilds. …

On Virginity, Chapter XXIII ↗

Western Saints

Ambrose of Milan

Fittingly does Ecclesiastes say, "For if one falls, he raises up his companion." He himself is not raised up, for Christ was not raised up by another's help and power, but he himself raised himself. Indeed, he said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. This he said of the temple of his body." It is well that he who did not fall should not be raised by another, for one who is raised by another has fallen, and one who falls needs help to be raised up. …

Letters 81-91 (Letter LXXXI) ↗

Bonaventure

On account of raising up he says: "If one falls, he will be supported by the other": Deuteronomy 22: "If you see the donkey of your brother fallen on the road, you shall not despise it, but shall lift it up with him." The solitary man lacks this benefit: therefore he adds: "Woe to him who is alone, because when he falls, he has no one to raise him up," and therefore he is wretched: whence in the Psalm: "Look upon me and have mercy on me, for I am alone and poor." Spiritually here is noted the threefold effect of charity, namely …

Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Chapter 4 ↗