Let no one find a difficulty in this, that Matthew speaks of this man as putting his question to tempt the Lord, whereas Mark does not mention this, but concludes with what the Lord said to him upon his answering wisely, “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.” [Mark 12:34] For it is possible that, though he came to tempt, yet the Lord’s answer may have wrought correction within him.
Or, the tempting here meant need not be that of one designing to deceive an enemy, but rather the cautious approach of one making proof of a stranger. And that is not written in vain, “Whoso believeth lightly, he is of a vain heart.” [Eccl. 19:4]
Reproduced in full. Translation: Oxford 1841 (Newman), public domain (Public domain).
Also cites: de Cons. Ev., ii, 73