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8
And employing his labours lewdly, he maketh a vain god of the same clay, even he which a
little before was made of earth himself, and within a little while after returneth to the same, out
when his life which was lent him shall be demanded.
9
Notwithstanding his care is, not that he shall have much labour, nor that his life is short: but
striveth to excel goldsmiths and silversmiths, and endeavoureth to do like the workers in brass, and
counteth it his glory to make counterfeit things.
10
His heart is ashes, his hope is more vile than earth, and his life of less value than clay:
11
Forasmuch as he knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul, and
breathed in a living spirit.
12
But they counted our life a pastime, and our time here a market for gain: for, say they, we
must be getting every way, though it be by evil means.
13
For this man, that of earthly matter maketh brittle vessels and graven images, knoweth himself
to offend above all others.
14
And all the enemies of thy people, that hold them in subjection, are most foolish, and are
more miserable than very babes.
15
For they counted all the idols of the heathen to be gods: which neither have the use of eyes
to see, nor noses to draw breath, nor ears to hear, nor fingers of hands to handle; and as for their
feet, they are slow to go.
16
For man made them, and he that borrowed his own spirit fashioned them: but no man can
make a god like unto himself.
17
For being mortal, he worketh a dead thing with wicked hands: for he himself is better than
the things which he worshippeth: whereas he lived once, but they never.
18
Yea, they worshipped those beasts also that are most hateful: for being compared together,
some are worse than others.
19
Neither are they beautiful, so much as to be desired in respect of beasts: but they went without
the praise of God and his blessing.
WISDOM OF SOLOMON 16
Therefore by the like were they punished worthily, and by the multitude of beasts tormented.
2
Instead of which punishment, dealing graciously with thine own people, thou preparedst for
them meat of a strange taste, even quails to stir up their appetite:
3
To the end that they, desiring food, might for the ugly sight of the beasts sent among them
lothe even that, which they must needs desire; but these, suffering penury for a short space, might
be made partakers of a strange taste.
4
For it was requisite, that upon them exercising tyranny should come penury, which they could
not avoid: but to these it should only be shewed how their enemies were tormented.
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KJV Bible