Wisdom 14:16-18

Wycliffe Bible

¹⁶ Afterward in time coming betwixt, when the wicked custom was strong, this error was kept as a law, and images were worshipped by (the) lordship (or under the commands) of tyrants. [Afterward in the mean coming time waxing shrewd (or depraved) custom, this error as a law is kept, and by commandments of tyrants false works be praised.]

¹⁷ The figure of them was brought from (a)far, which the men might not honour in open, for they were far (off); and they made an open image of the king, whom they would honour; that by their busyness they should worship him as present, that was absent. [These whom in open men might not worship, for that afar they were, from afar the figure of them is brought; the evident image of the king, whom worship they would, they made; that him that was afar, as present they should praise with busyness.]

¹⁸ Forsooth the noble diligence of a craftsman brought in also them, that knew not, to the worshipping of these things, or of these kings. [Forsooth the great diligence of the craftsman drew to the praising of them and them, that unknew.]