The City of God · Chapter
X explained
Augustine argues that the saints lose nothing of true value when they lose temporal goods, because their faith, godliness, and inner riches are secure.
What happens
Augustine argues that the saints lose nothing of true value when they lose temporal goods, because their faith, godliness, and inner riches are secure. He uses the examples of Job and Paulinus of Nola to show that earthly losses can be turned to spiritual profit, and that even torture and famine can serve as lessons in detachment and trust in God.
Themes in this chapter
Sin, Grace, and Redemption
Augustine explains that attachment to earthly goods is a sin that causes sorrow, but loss can lead to repentance and spiritual growth.
True Worship and the One God
The chapter contrasts trust in God with trust in material wealth, emphasizing that true treasure is in heaven.
Morality and Virtue vs. Pagan Corruption
Augustine praises the virtue of detachment and holy poverty, as exemplified by Job and Paulinus, against the corrupting love of money.
Characters to notice
- Augustine
Author and narrator, reflecting on the spiritual profit of losing temporal goods.
- Paul
Quoted extensively on contentment, the love of money, and laying up treasure in heaven.
- Job
Cited as an example of faithful endurance, saying 'The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away.'
- Jesus Christ
Quoted on laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
- Paulinus
Bishop of Nola, who voluntarily abandoned wealth and was captured by barbarians, yet prayed trusting in his heavenly treasure.
Key passages
“We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”
Everything that happens benefits those who love God.
Augustine uses this verse to argue that even loss and suffering are turned to profit for the faithful.
“Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; as it pleased the Lord, so has it come to pass: blessed be the name of the Lord.”
I entered the world with nothing and will leave with nothing; God gave me everything, and He has taken it back. May His name be praised.
Job's response to loss is presented as the model of faithful detachment.
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
Do not store up wealth on earth, where it can decay or be stolen; instead, store up wealth in heaven, where it is safe.
Jesus' teaching is cited as the foundation for the Christian attitude toward possessions.