13. Concerning the consequences from the occurrence of free will.

D. What are the consequences of free will? M. Some four. For in this life either (1) good things happen to the good and evil things to the evil, such as the prosperity of Abraham (Gn 13:6) and the punishment of Cain (Gn 4:11), or (2) conversely, good things to the evil and evil things to the good, such as the rich man who in the Gospel is described as happy right up to his death (Lk 16:19,20); in contrast, Lazarus is racked with sores and poverty. Or (3) really, neither the good nor the evil have either form of retribution: for example, for selling Joseph (Gn 50:21) no vengeance is inflicted upon his brothers. Nor, although he may be praised by God when giving his advice for guiding the people, does the father-in-law of Moses perform for any pay (Ex 18:17-27).

[2] D. What do we say are the causes of this inconsistency? M. Here, appropriate things are repaid to some people, lest the universe be thought to be guided not by divine providence but by chance occurrences, in order that together both an abundance of good things may console the good and the punishment for similar things may deter the wicked. Or indeed, happiness is allowed to the wicked, in order that the good may be tested and may learn to despise those things which they see are shared by them with unworthy people; and likewise, bad things happen to good people. Or here, no semblance of compensation is granted to either class, in order that elsewhere we may be able to get to know judgment and full retribution for our acts.

[3] D. Give the fourth way. M. When those who have done neither any evil by themselves nor any good share in good things or bad things, such as infants; or perhaps in neither, such as stillbirths, concerning both the condition and the worthiness of whom both the case is subtle and the treatment is uncertain.