63. Perhaps all this happens that the question may
be asked of the robber: Thou
wast rich, wherefore didst thou seize on
the goods of others? Need did not force thee, poverty did not
drive thee to it. Did I not make thee rich, that thou mightest
have no excuse? So, too, it may be said to a person of
power: Why didst thou not aid the widow, the orphans also, when
enduring wrong? Wast thou powerless? Couldst thou not
help? I made thee for this purpose, not that thou mightest do
wrong, but that thou mightest check it. Is it not written for
thee “Save him that endureth wrong?” Ecclus.
iv. 9. Is it not written for thee:
“Deliver the poor and needy out of the hand of the
sinner”? Ps. lxxxii.
[lxxxi.] 4. It may be said
also to the man who has abundance of good things: I have blessed
thee with children and honours; I have granted thee health of body; why
didst thou not follow my commands? My servant, what have I done
to thee, or how have I grieved thee? Was it not I that gave thee
children, bestowed honours, granted health to thee? Why didst
thou deny me? Why didst thou suppose that thy actions would not
come to my knowledge? Why didst thou accept my gifts, yet despise
my commands?