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The most High approveth not the gifts of the wicked.
Saint Patrick
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Good intentions can't justify dishonest or immoral actions.

This quote speaks to the idea that the moral integrity behind actions matters more than the outward appearances or material gifts offered by those with ill intentions. It suggests that true value lies in righteousness rather than in superficial gifts or offerings that stem from wickedness.

Themes

MoralityIntegrityGiftsWickednessRighteousness

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a debate about the ethics of donations from controversial figures.

More from Saint Patrick

Let anyone laugh and taunt if he so wishes. I am not keeping silent, nor am I hiding the signs and wonders that were shown to me by the Lord many years before they happened, who knew everything, even before the beginning of time.
Saint PatrickRead
I see that already in this present world I am exalted above measure by the Lord. And I was not worthy nor such a one as that he should grant this to me, since I know most surely that poverty and affliction become me better than delights and riches.
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The Lord is greater than all: I have said enough.
Saint PatrickRead
He that offereth sacrifice of the goods of the poor is as one that sacrificeth the son in the presence of his father.
Saint PatrickRead
I partly know why I have not led a perfect life like other believers. But I avow to my Lord, and I do not lie, that from the time when I first knew him, the love of God and the fear of him has grown in me from my youth so that I have, by the power of God, always till now kept the faith.
Saint PatrickRead
I only seek in my old age to perfect that which I had not before thoroughly learned in my youth, because my sins were a hindrance to me.
Saint PatrickRead

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