# X explained — The City of God

> Chapter companion for The City of God by Augustine of Hippo.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-x
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters