Bonaventure

In his own words on Tobit

• Tobit 1:10

  This is a lesson that ought to be taught in youth and never abandoned. Whence in Ecclesiasticus: "Keep the fear of the Lord and grow old therein." And in Tobias it is said that Tobias begot a son, "whom from his infancy he taught to fear God." This lesson, therefore, is for all.

  Collationes de Septem Donis, Collation 2

• Tobit 4:15

  The second element is the form of common life, expressed thus: See thou never do to another what thou wouldst hate to have done to thee by another. This is written in the heart by eternal law. From this natural law come other laws and rules as beautiful sprouts. But why do you refuse to be hung, and hang the thief? The answer: better to hang the thief than to damage the community. As for Jonas, he condemned himself to be thrown into the sea.

  Collations on the Hexaemeron, Collation 5

• Tobit 4:19

  Counsel is regulated according to the dictate of divinely inspired reasons. Concerning this it is said in Tobit: 'At all times bless the Lord and ask of him, that he may direct your ways, and that all your counsels may remain in him.' However much knowledge a man may have of the New and Old Testament, it is still necessary that he consult the Lord: I do not say that he should have a special conversation with him, but it is necessary that the Lord bring forth truth for him as light.

  Collationes de Septem Donis, Collation 7

• Tobit 4:21

  But what usefulness is there in fearing God? Tobias says: "Do not fear, my son; we lead indeed a poor life, but we shall have many good things if we fear God." The fear of God avails for three things, namely for obtaining the inflowing of divine grace, for introducing the rectitude of divine justice, and for obtaining the illumination of divine wisdom. In these three all good things are comprehended.

  Collationes de Septem Donis, Collation 2