Wisdom of Solomon 14:1-8
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
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.(A)
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,(B)
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.(C)
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.(D)
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.(E)
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.