Reply Obj. 3:  When the stain is removed, the wound of sin is healed as regards the will.  But punishment is still requisite in order that the other powers of the soul be healed, since they were so disordered by the sin committed, so that, to wit, the disorder may be remedied by the contrary of that which caused it.  Moreover punishment is requisite in order to restore the equality of justice, and to remove the scandal given to others, so that those who were scandalized at the sin many be edified by the punishment, as may be seen in the example of David quoted above. ________________________

SEVENTH ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 87, Art. 7]

Whether Every Punishment Is Inflicted for a Sin?

Objection 1:  It would seem that not every punishment is inflicted for a sin.  For it is written (John 9:3, 2) about the man born blind:  “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents . . . that he should be born blind.”  In like manner we see that many children, those also who have been baptized, suffer grievous punishments, fevers, for instance, diabolical possession, and so forth, and yet there is no sin in them after they have been baptized.  Moreover before they are baptized, there is no more sin in them than in the other children who do not suffer such things.  Therefore not every punishment is inflicted for a sin.

Obj. 2:  Further, that sinners should thrive and that the innocent should be punished seem to come under the same head.  Now each of these is frequently observed in human affairs, for it is written about the wicked (Ps. 72:5):  “They are not in the labor of men:  neither shall they be scourged like other men”; and (Job 21:7):  “[Why then do] the wicked live, are [they] advanced, and strengthened with riches” (?)[The words in brackets show the readings of the Vulgate]; and (Hab. 1:13):  “Why lookest Thou upon the contemptuous [Vulg.:  ’them that do unjust things’], and holdest Thy peace, when the wicked man oppresseth [Vulg.:  ’devoureth’], the man that is more just than himself?” Therefore not every punishment is inflicted for a sin.

Obj. 3:  Further, it is written of Christ (1 Pet. 2:22) that “He did no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth.”  And yet it is said (1 Pet. 2:21) that “He suffered for us.”  Therefore punishment is not always inflicted by God for sin.

On the contrary, It is written (Job 4:7, seqq.):  “Who ever perished innocent?  Or when were the just destroyed? On the contrary, I have seen those who work iniquity . . . perishing by the blast of God”; and Augustine writes (Retract. i) that “all punishment is just, and is inflicted for a sin.”