Moralia in Job 1002

18. In the sacred writings adultery and fornication are sometimes distinguished, sometimes they mean the same thing. Both are forbidden. Job abstained from even the thought of either. — Although sometimes the fault of fornication in no way differs from the guilt of adultery, since Truth says: 'Whoever looks upon a woman to covet her has already committed adultery with her in his heart' (Matt. 5:28). For because...

In the Greek word 'moechus' one is called an adulterer, since a woman is forbidden to be looked upon not only as another man's wife but even simply as a woman; and so Truth openly shows that adultery is committed even by the mere gaze, when someone is shamefully desired though she be unwed. Yet for the most part the sin is distinguished according to the place or the rank of the one who lusts, since eager concupiscence defiles this man set in holy orders just as the guilt of adultery defiles that other. Nevertheless, even among persons not unlike, the same guilt of lust is differentiated; and that the guilt of fornication is distinguished from the guilt of adultery is attested by the tongue of that illustrious preacher, who among other things asserts, saying: 'Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers shall possess the kingdom of God' (1 Cor. 6:9).

For in that he adds a sentence to a distinct guilt, he shows how far it is removed from himself. Therefore by these words: 'If my heart hath been deceived upon a woman,' it is shown that the holy man had not so much as thought of the stain of fornication. And by that which he adds: 'And if I have laid wait at the door of my friend,' it is plainly made known that he was free from the guilt of adultery. But perhaps to this someone may say: What wonder does the holy man assert concerning himself, if he kept himself free not only from the crime of adultery but even from the defilement of fornication? Yet we hold this cheap if we do not weigh the times of his virtues.

For not yet had the stricter censure of revealed grace advanced to the restraint of the flesh — that censure which reproves the wantonness not only of the body but also of the heart. Not yet had the goods of chastity, to be marvelled at, of many continent men come forth; and yet blessed Job handed down examples of a purity which he had not received. But by many, even now, after God's prohibition, the uncleanness of the flesh is committed. Hence therefore it is to be gathered with how great praise he formerly abstained from grave sins, seeing with how great guilt men even now, after the precept, transgress in grave matters. And if ever he had done this, he prays that the same fault might be turned into a punishment for himself, saying: