THEOSISGregory of Nyssa
This despicable and clamorous breed of toads, these crawling and leaping creatures, displeasing not only in their appearance but also in the foul odor of their skin, infiltrate the homes and storehouses of the Egyptians while sparing the lives of the Hebrews. The corruptions brought about by sin can indeed be likened to a toad, arising, much like they do in mud, from the impure heart of humanity. These toads flourish in the lives of those who mirror the Egyptians in their lifestyle choices; they appear during meals, refuse to leave their abodes, and invade the storerooms that hold the essentials of life.
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When one observes a life that is unclean and unrestrained, truly stemming from vice and depravity, and behaves in a way that lacks understanding, one may recognize that a person who is inherently human can, through their passions, behave like an animal. This reveals the earthly and mutual way of living that such individuals embody. Consequently, one can identify signs of this affliction not only in the beds but also in the meals, the storerooms, and throughout the entire household. Such individuals exhibit their immorality in every aspect, making it evident to all who witness their unrestrained lifestyle by the cares that inhabit their homes. In the dwelling of those given to lasciviousness, one may find provocative images on the walls that incite sinful desires, evoking the essence of this moral disease. The sight of dishonorable displays can pollute the soul with passion, prompting the chaste to exercise caution and discernment to safeguard their eyes against tempting spectacles. In contrast, the meals of the chaste are pure, while those of the one living a filthy life are laden with toads and unwholesome foods. Delving into their storerooms, or the hidden recesses of their lives, will reveal an abundance of these vile toads, indicative of their debauchery.