Wisdom 13 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021(NRSVUE)

Wisdom of Solomon 13The Foolishness of Nature Worship

1 were amazed at their power and working,

let them perceive from them

how much more powerful is the one who formed them.

5

he forms it in the likeness of a human being

14 Jer 22.14; Ezek 23.14 or makes it like some worthless animal,

giving it a coat of red paint and coloring its surface red

and covering every blemish in it with paint;

15 Isa 41.7; 46.7; Let Jer 25, 26 then he makes a suitable niche for it

and sets it in the wall and fastens it there with iron.

16 1 Sam 5.3, 4; Let Jer 26 He takes thought for it so that it may not fall,

because he knows that it cannot help itself,

for it is only an image and has need of help.

17 Isa 44.17, 19; Jer 2.27 When he prays about possessions and his marriage and children,

he is not ashamed to address a lifeless thing.

For health he appeals to a thing that is weak;

18 v 10 ; Ps 115.7; Jer 10.5; Wis 15.15for life he prays to a thing that is dead;

for aid he entreats a thing that is utterly inexperienced;

for a prosperous journey, a thing that cannot take a step;

19for money-making and work and success with his hands,

he asks strength of a thing whose hands have no strength.