Justice is a temporary thing that must at last come to an end; but the conscience is eternal and will never die.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Luther contrasts temporary justice with the eternal nature of conscience.
- In plain terms
- Justice ends but conscience lives forever.
- What can you take from it?
- Value your conscience because it lasts longer than earthly justice.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is eternal to you?
- Does conscience outlast law?
Another view
Justice systems can have lasting impacts beyond their immediate existence.
More from Martin Luther
Peace is more important than all justice; and peace was not made for the sake of justice, but justice for the sake of peace.
Permalink to quote #38 Idiots, the lame, the blind, the dumb, are men in whom the devils have established themselves: and all the physicians who heal these infirmities, as though the…
Permalink to quote #40 What can only be taught by the rod and with blows will not lead to much good; they will not remain pious any longer than the rod is behind them.
Permalink to quote #37
Related quotes
Accordingly, death is a harbor of peace for the just, but is believed a shipwreck for the wicked.
AmbroseAmbrose quote #1 Recently I was discharged from the German army while in this prison and was informed that I am on the so-called war criminal list number seven. I haven't the f…
Paul Ludwig Ewald von KleistPaul Ludwig Ewald von Kleist quote #1 Is life worth living? Yes, so long As there is wrong to right, Wail of the weak against the strong, Or tyranny to fight;
Alfred AustinAlfred Austin quote #2