THEOSISPaterius of Brescia
It is often easier to convince arrogant individuals to act righteously when we suggest that their virtues will ultimately benefit us more than themselves, or when we request their goodness for our own advantage rather than theirs. Wise individuals frequently turn towards righteousness, especially when they perceive that such actions will positively impact others. A pertinent example is found in Moses, who, guided by God through the wilderness and following the pillar of cloud, spoke to Hobab, his relative, as he was about to be brought from among the Gentiles into the service of the Almighty.
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Moses said, “We are going to the place of which the Lord said, I will give it to you; come with us, we will do you good, for the Lord has spoken good things of Israel.” However, when Hobab replied, “I will not go; I will go to my own land and to my own country,” Moses urged him, “Do not leave us, for you know how we camp in the wilderness and will be an eye for us.” Moses was not in darkness about the path ahead; the nearness of God bestowed upon him prophetic insight. Externally, he was led by the pillar of cloud, while internally he maintained continuous and direct communication with God. It is essential to recognize that the visionary sought not only the favor of the proud listener but also offered guidance in return. He invited Hobab to take on the role of a leader along the journey— a leader in life itself. Consequently, the proud listener became more engaged with the call to righteousness, believing it essential and thinking that he was leading the one who inspired him, he ultimately complied with the guidance provided.