Verse 7. — 'Why then do the wicked live, are exalted, and strengthened with riches?' 45. The happiness of this life is weighed: in dignities and riches, in children and kinsmen; in a peaceful household; in the fecundity of herds; in the multitude and exultation of the household. — For unless the divine patience bore with them, they would by no means long lead their life in sins. For they are exalted by riches when they begin to be powerful, and they are strengthened when for a long time they are permitted to subsist in this life. For those whom substance elevates, length of days strengthens in the pride of their power. Or certainly they are said to be exalted and strengthened, because they are exalted by honors, strengthened by possessions.
But there are very many who, both exalted by honors and strengthened by riches, receive the things they covet in this life, yet are deprived of a succession of offspring. To these indeed their very power is a punishment, since they both consider that they have a great inheritance, and have no heirs to whom to leave it. What therefore does it profit if all things are present, and there are lacking children who may become successors? There follows: