Folly of a Navigator Praying to an Idol

14 Again, one preparing to sail and about to voyage over raging waves

calls upon a piece of wood more fragile than the ship that carries him.

2 For it was desire for gain that planned that vessel,

and wisdom was the artisan who built it;

3 but it is your providence, O Father, that steers its course,

because you have given it a path in the sea,

and a safe way through the waves,

4 showing that you can save from every danger,

so that even a person who lacks skill may put to sea.

5 It is your will that works of your wisdom should not be without effect;

therefore people trust their lives even to the smallest piece of wood,

and passing through the billows on a raft they come safely to land.

6 For even in the beginning, when arrogant giants were perishing,

the hope of the world took refuge on a raft,

and guided by your hand left to the world the seed of a new generation.

7 For blessed is the wood by which righteousness comes.

8 But the idol made with hands is accursed, and so is the one who made it—

he for having made it, and the perishable thing because it was named a god.

9 For equally hateful to God are the ungodly and their ungodliness;

10 for what was done will be punished together with the one who did it.

11 Therefore there will be a visitation also upon the heathen idols,

because, though part of what God created, they became an abomination,

snares for human souls

and a trap for the feet of the foolish.