Two Angels Stay Close to Every Person

For Holy Scripture bears witness that two angels, a good one and a bad one, stay close to each one of us. Of the good ones the Savior says: “Do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of your Father who is in heaven.” And this too: “The angel of the Lord will encamp around those who fear him, and will deliver them.” There is also what is said of Peter in the Acts of the Apostles: “It is his angel.” And the book of the Shepherd teaches us very fully about both kinds. But if we consider the one who attacked the blessed Job, we will clearly learn that it was he who was always plotting against him but could never entice him to sin. That is why he asked the Lord for power over him, since he was defeated not by Job’s virtue but by the Lord’s protection, which always shielded him. Of Judas too it is said: “And let the devil stand at his right hand.” [a]