"Charity is no substitute for justice withheld"

This quote by Saint Augustine speaks to the significance of justice and the restrictions of charity. He is suggesting that charity, while an honorable and generous act, can not change justice. Justice is an essential right that should be supplied to all people, and charity can not replace this. Charity is a voluntary act of compassion, while justice is a right that must be offered to all. Charity can assist those in requirement, but it can not change the justice that is because of them. Justice is a basic part of a reasonable and fair society, and it must not be withheld from anyone. Charity can help those in requirement, however it can not change justice. Justice is a right that must be provided to all, and charity can not change this.