And the examples mentioned (1) concerning created beings—even though no analogous examples are mentioned with respect to the Lord—are intended [here] (2) to establish that a wise created being may command another to do something without assisting him [in doing it] (3). Hence, this is all the more possible (4) for the Creator, consistently with His wisdom. Thus, whoever He commands and assists in performing what was commanded, both His creation and His command pertain to that commanded act. He wills it both as something He creates and as something He loves, so it is (5) willed from the standpoint of creation and willed from the standpoint of command. As for one whom He does not assist in performing what was commanded, His command pertains to that commanded act, whereas His creation does not (6), because there is no wisdom requiring His creation to pertain to it, while wisdom is realized through the creation of its opposite.

Creating either of two opposites is incompatible with creating the other. For creating an illness through which the servant humbles himself before his Lord, supplicates his Lord, repents of his sins, has his sins expiated, has his heart softened [by it] (7), and is rid of pride, self-exaltation, and transgression is incompatible with creating the health in whose presence these benefits would not arise.

Likewise, creating the oppressor’s injustice—which brings the wronged person benefits of the same kind as those brought about by illness—is incompatible with creating the oppressor’s just conduct, which would not bring about these benefits, even though it is in [his own] best interest (8) to act justly.