Thomas Aquinas, on Heb 12:10

“And they indeed for a few days, according to their own pleasure, instructed us: but he, for our profit, that we might receive his sanctification.”

“680. – Secondly, there is a difference between human and divine correction; first, as to the end, because the end of human correction is transitory, for it is directed to living well in this life, which lasts a few days; secondly, as to the reason, because man corrects according to his will, which can be mistaken, yet we obey it. But not so in divine correction: for He instructs us in something useful for eternity, namely, to receive the holiness which He Himself is: 'Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; let him be your fear and let him be your dread. And he shall be a sanctification to you' (Is. 8:13). Therefore, he says, they disciplined us for short time; and this in regard to the first: at their pleasure, in regard to the second. But he disciplines us for our good: 'I am the Lord who teaches you profitable things' (Is. 48:17); and this that we may share his holiness. Therefore, we should all the more accept his chastisement.”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.