Wisdom 14:27-15:3
Revised Standard Version
27 For the worship of idols not to be named
is the beginning and cause and end of every evil.
28 For their worshipers[a] either rave in exultation, or prophesy lies,
or live unrighteously, or readily commit perjury;
29 for because they trust in lifeless idols
they swear wicked oaths and expect to suffer no harm.
30 But just penalties will overtake them on two counts:
because they thought wickedly of God in devoting themselves to idols,
and because in deceit they swore unrighteously through contempt for holiness.
31 For it is not the power of the things by which men swear,[b]
but the just penalty for those who sin,
that always pursues the transgression of the unrighteous.
Benefits of Worshiping the True God
15 But thou, our God, art kind and true,
patient, and ruling all things[c] in mercy.
2 For even if we sin we are thine, knowing thy power;
but we will not sin, because we know that we are accounted thine.
3 For to know thee is complete righteousness,
and to know thy power is the root of immortality.
Footnotes
- Wisdom 14:28 Gk they
- Wisdom 14:31 Or of the oaths men swear
- Wisdom 15:1 Or ruling the universe
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.