Wisdom of Solomon 13:1–10

aSurely vain are all men by nature, who are ignorant of God, and could not out of the good things that are seen know him that is: neither by considering the works did they acknowledge the bworkmaster; 2 but deemed either fire, or wind, or the swift air, or cthe circle of the stars, or the violent water, or cthe lights of heaven, to be the gods which govern the world. 3 With whose beauty if they being delighted dtook them to be gods; let them know how much better the Lord of them is: for the first Author of beauty hath created them. 4 But if they were astonished at their power and virtue, let them understand by them, how much mightier he is that made them. 5 eFor by the greatness and beauty of the creatures proportionably the Maker of them is seen. 6 But yet for this they are the less to be blamed: for they peradventure err, seeking God, and desirous to find him. 7 fFor being conversant in his works they * search him diligently, and believe their sight: because the things are beautiful that are seen. 8 Howbeit neither are they to be pardoned. 9 For if they were able to know so much, that they could aim at the world; how did they not sooner find out the Lord thereof?

10 But miserable are they, and in gdead things is their hope, who called them gods, which are hthe works of men’s hands, gold and silver, ito shew art in, and resemblances of beasts, or a stone good for nothing, the work of an ancient hand.