"We are not punished for our sins, but by them"

This quote by Elbert Hubbard suggests that our sins are not consulted with punishment from an external source, however rather that we are punished by our own sins. This implies that our own actions and choices can have unfavorable consequences that can trigger us to suffer. This could be analyzed as a cautioning to be conscious of our actions and choices, as they can have a direct effect on our lives. It could likewise be interpreted as a suggestion that we are accountable for our own actions and that we should take duty for our errors. Ultimately, this quote acts as a suggestion that our actions have repercussions and that we should be mindful of our decisions.