Concerning the Nature of Good, Against the Manichæans 40

St Augustine of Hippo (AD 354–430) · De natura boni · PL 42, 551–572

40 Neither Can God Suffer Hurt, Nor Any Other, Save by the Just Ordination of God PL 42, 563

Since these things are so, according to the Catholic faith, and wholesome doctrine, and truth perspicuous to those of good understanding, neither can any one hurt the nature of God, nor can the nature of God unrighteously hurt any one, or suffer any one to do hurt with impunity. "For he that doeth hurt shall receive," says the apostle, "according to the hurt that he has done; and there is no accepting of persons with God."

Nec Deo noceri potest nec alii, nisi Dei justa ordinatione. Quae cum ita sint secundum catholicam fidem et sanam doctrinam, et intelligentibus perspicuam veritatem, nec naturae Dei nocere potest quisquam, nec natura Dei nocere injuste cuiquam, vel nocere impune patitur quemquam. Qui enim nocet, ait Apostolus, recipiet id quod nocuit; et non est personarum acceptio apud Deum .

Philip Schaff (ed.), Buffalo/New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1886-1889. Public domain: English translation first published 1885-1900 (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series). Latin: Migne, Patrologia Latina (1844-1855), public domain; transcription from Corpus Corporum (University of Zurich).