# That the flaw of wickedness is not nature, but contrary to nature, and has its origin, not in the Creator, but in the will. explained — The City of God > Chapter companion for The City of God by Augustine of Hippo. ## What happens Augustine argues that wickedness is not a natural flaw but a defect of the will, contrary to nature. He explains that even the devil was created good by God, but became wicked through his own will. God, as the supremely good Creator, rules evil wills justly and uses them for good purposes, as seen in the devil's temptations benefiting the faithful. ## Themes in this chapter ### Sin, Grace, and Redemption Discusses the origin of sin in the will, not in nature, and God's redemptive use of evil wills for good. ### Morality and Virtue vs. Pagan Corruption Contrasts the goodness of created nature with the vice of wicked will, emphasizing moral responsibility. ## Character check-ins ### Augustine Author of the chapter, arguing that wickedness originates in the will, not in nature or the Creator. ### Jesus Christ Referenced indirectly as the one through whom God's good use of evil wills is manifested. ## Key lines > the flaw of wickedness is not nature, but contrary to nature, and has its origin, not in the Creator, but in the will. Wickedness is not a natural defect but a corruption of the will, and it does not come from God but from the creature's own choice. _Central thesis of the chapter._ > God, as He is the supremely good Creator of good natures, so is He of evil wills the most just Ruler; so that, while they make an ill use of good natures, He makes a good use even of evil wills. God, who creates good natures, also justly governs evil wills, turning their misuse of good things into a means for good. _Explains divine providence over evil._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters