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Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

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Home Bible Reflection Augustine on Divine Providence

Augustine on Divine Providence

Posted on December 14, 2015 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment


Providence“To the divine providence it has seemed good to prepare in the world to come for the righteous good things, which the unrighteous shall not enjoy; and for the wicked evil things, by which the good shall not be tormented. But as for the good things of this life, and its ills, God has willed that these should be common to both; that we might not too eagerly covet the things which wicked men are seen equally to enjoy, nor shrink with an unseemly fear from the ills which even good men often suffer.”

St. Augustine of Hippo in The City of God

This is perhaps a partial answer to the question of why bad things happen to good people. I am reminded of Jesus’ words,

“He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matt 5:45).

What strikes me about this is that I should not be so quick to complain when things don’t go the way I think they ought to go. God has a bigger plan and is working all things out according to that plan.


Filed Under: Bible Reflection

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

I have the opportunity to go to Istanbul, Turkey this summer to minister to Syrian refugees. If you would like more details about this trip, please use this link Mark McIntyre - Istanbul, Turkey Please note that this trip is fully funded, but I would appreciate your continued prayer. The trip will take place June 27 - July 6, 2025.

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