Wisdom 16:5-14

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition

⁵ For when the fierce rage of beasts came upon these, they were destroyed with the bitings of crooked serpents.

⁶ But thy wrath endured not for ever, but they were troubled for a short time for their correction, having a sign of salvation to put them in remembrance of the commandment of thy law.

⁷ For he that turned to it, was not healed by that which he saw, but by thee the Saviour of all.

⁸ And in this thou didst shew to our enemies, that thou art he who deliverest from all evil.

⁹ For the bitings of locusts, and of flies killed them, and there was found no remedy for their life: because they were worthy to be destroyed by such things.

¹⁰ But not even the teeth of venomous serpents overcame thy children: for thy mercy came and healed them.

¹¹ For they were examined for the remembrance of thy words, and were quickly healed, lest falling into deep forgetfulness, they might not be able to use thy help.

¹² For it was neither herb, nor mollifying plaster that healed them, but thy word, O Lord, which healeth all things.

¹³ For it is thou, O Lord, that hast power of life and death, and leadest down to the gates of death, and bringest back again:

¹⁴ A man indeed killeth through malice, and when the spirit is gone forth, it shall not return, neither shall he call back the soul that is received: