THEOSISAmbrose of Milan
It is unequivocally true that nothing fabricated or insincere can genuinely embody true virtue, nor can it endure for an extended period. Initially, it may flourish, but with the passage of time, it fades away like a wilting flower; true and heartfelt virtue is deeply rooted. Absalom, the son of King David, was famed for his extraordinary beauty and captivating presence, unmatched during the prime of his youth, as no one in Israel could be compared to him; from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head, he lacked nothing (2 Sam. 14:25).
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He would arise early each morning to stand at the entrance along the road, and when anyone approached the king to seek justice in a dispute, Absalom would exclaim, “Behold, your cause is good and just, but the king has no one to hear you; oh, if I were made a judge in the land! Anyone with a dispute or lawsuit would come to me, and I would render judgment according to the truth.” With such flattery, he won their favor. When someone approached him in worship, he would extend his hand, embrace them, and kiss them. Thus, he captured their hearts, for such flattery swiftly penetrates the innermost depths of one’s being.
Our assertions that all pretense cannot endure, but swiftly diminishes like grass that does not bloom for long, will find affirmation in examples from the Scriptures. We have already observed many instances of righteousness, yet let us consider one example of deceit and duplicity. Absalom, King David's son, was noted for his remarkable physical beauty and was in the vigor of his youth; no one in Israel could rival him, for he was unblemished in appearance. He possessed chariots, horses, and fifty agile men. Each morning, Absalom would rise early to stand by the road at the city gate.
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If he encountered anyone coming for an audience with the king, he would inquire, "From what city are you?" The individual would respond, "Your servant is from this or that tribe of Israel," to which Absalom would reply, "Your words are commendable and true, but the king has no one to hear your case. Would that I were a judge in the land; every man who seeks justice would come to me, and I would give him a fair hearing" (2 Kings 15:2-4). With such rhetoric, he drew people to himself. When individuals came to him, he would extend his arms, embrace them, and kiss them, thus winning their hearts, as such kindness resonates deeply.