If the Lord counts the natural beauty of the body inferior to that of the soul, what thinks He of spurious beauty, rejecting utterly as He does all falsehood?
Clement Of AlexandriaRead
We are not to throw away those things which can benefit our neighbor. Goods are called good because they can be used for good: they are instruments for good, in the hands of those who use them properly.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of using our resources to help others effectively.
Clement of Alexandria suggests that material possessions should not be discarded if they can help someone in need. He argues that goods acquire their value from their ability to contribute positively to the welfare of others, and it is the responsibility of individuals to use them wisely for the greater good.
Themes
GoodServiceBenefitNeighborResources
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, one might use this quote to inspire others to contribute to their local charities.
More from Clement Of Alexandria
All quotes →For, in truth, an image is only dead matter shaped by the craftsman's hand. But we have no sensible image of sensible matter, but an image that is perceived by the mind alone: God, who alone is truly God.
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His Son Jesus, the Word of God, is our Instructor.... He is God and Creator.
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But those who are ready to toil in the most excellent pursuits, will not desist from the search after truth, till they get the demonstration from the Scriptures themselves.
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The Word of God became man, that thou mayest learn from man how man may become God.
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