mt1=THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON ip=The \bk Wisdom of Solomon\bk* is recognized as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Russian Orthodox Churches. q1={c1}{v1}Love righteousness, all you who are judges of the earth. q2=Think of the Lord\f + \fr 1:1 \ft Gr. \fqa in goodness. \f* with a good mind. q1=Seek him in singleness of heart, q2={v2}because he is found by those who don’t put him to the test, q2=and is manifested to those who trust him. q1={v3}for crooked thoughts separate from God. q2=His Power convicts when it is tested, q2=and exposes the foolish; q1={v4}because wisdom will not enter into a soul that devises evil, q2=nor dwell in a body that is enslaved by sin. q1={v5}For a holy spirit of discipline will flee deceit, q2=and will depart from thoughts that are without understanding, q2=and will be ashamed when unrighteousness has come in. b= q1={v6}For\f + \fr 1:6 \ft Some authorities read \fqa the spirit of wisdom is loving to man. \f* wisdom is a spirit who loves man, q2=and she will not hold a\f + \fr 1:6 \ft Or, \fqa reviler \f* blasphemer guiltless for his lips, q2=because God is witness of his inmost self, q2=and is a true overseer of his heart, q2=and a hearer of his tongue. q1={v7}Because the spirit of the Lord has filled\f + \fr 1:7 \ft Gr. \fqa the inhabited earth. \f* the world, q2=and that which holds all things together knows what is said. q1={v8}Therefore no one who utters unrighteous things will be unseen; q2=neither will Justice, when it convicts, pass him by. q1={v9}For in his counsels the ungodly will be searched out, q2=and the sound of his words will come to the Lord to bring his lawless deeds to conviction; q1={v10}because a jealous ear listens to all things, q2=and the noise of murmurings is not hidden. q1={v11}Beware then of unprofitable murmuring, q2=and keep your tongue from slander; q2=because no secret utterance will go on its way void, q2=and a lying mouth destroys a soul. q1={v12}Don’t court death in the error of your life. q2=Don’t draw destruction upon yourselves by the works of your hands; q2={v13}because God didn’t make death, q2=neither does he delight when the living perish. q1={v14}For he created all things that they might have being. q2=The generative powers of the world are wholesome, q2=and there is no poison of destruction in them, q2=nor has Hades\f + \fr 1:14 \ft Or, \fqa a royal house \f* royal dominion upon earth; q1={v15}for righteousness is immortal, q2={v16}but ungodly men by their hands and their words summon death; q2=deeming him a friend they\f + \fr 1:16 \ft Or, \fqa were consumed \ft with love of him \f* pined away. q1=They made a covenant with him, q2=because they are worthy to belong with him. b=q1={c2}{v1}For they said\f + \fr 2:1 \ft Or, \fqa among \f* within themselves, with unsound reasoning, q2=“Our life is short and sorrowful. q2=There is no healing when a man comes to his end, q2=and no one was ever known who\f + \fr 2:1 \ft Or, \fqa returned out of Hades \f* was released from Hades. q1={v2}Because we were born by mere chance, q2=and hereafter we will be as though we had never been, q2=because the breath in our nostrils is smoke, q2=and reason is a spark kindled by the beating of our heart, q1={v3}which being extinguished, the body will be turned into ashes, q2=and the spirit will be dispersed as thin air. q1={v4}Our name will be forgotten in time. q2=No one will remember our works. q2=Our life will pass away as the traces of a cloud, q2=and will be scattered as is a mist, q2=when it is chased by the rays of the sun, q2=and\f + \fr 2:4 \ft Gr. \fqa weighed down. \f* overcome by its heat. q1={v5}For our allotted time is the passing of a shadow, q2=and our end doesn’t retreat, q2=because it is securely sealed, and no one\f + \fr 2:5 \ft Or, \fqa comes again \f* turns it back. b= q1={v6}“Come therefore and let’s enjoy the good things that exist. q2=Let’s use the creation earnestly as in our youth. q1={v7}Let’s fill ourselves with costly wine and perfumes, q2=and let no spring flower pass us by. q1={v8}Let’s crown ourselves with rosebuds before they wither. q1={v9}Let none of us go without his share in our proud revelry. q2=Let’s leave tokens of mirth everywhere, q2=because this is our portion, and this is our lot. q1={v10}Let’s oppress the righteous poor. q2=Let’s not spare the widow, q2=nor regard the gray hair of the old man. q1={v11}But let our strength be a law of righteousness; q2=for that which is weak is proven useless. q1={v12}But let’s lie in wait for the righteous man, q2=because he annoys us, q2=is contrary to our works, q2=reproaches us with sins against the law, q2=and charges us with sins against our training. q1={v13}He professes to have knowledge of God, q2=and calls himself a child of the Lord. q1={v14}He became to us a reproof of our thoughts. q1={v15}He is grievous to us even to look at, q2=because his life is unlike other men’s, q2=and his paths are strange. q1={v16}We were regarded by him as something worthless, q2=and he abstains from our ways as from uncleanness. q2=He calls the latter end of the righteous happy. q2=He boasts that God is his father. q1={v17}Let’s see if his words are true. q2=Let’s test what will happen at the end of his life. q1={v18}For if the righteous man is God’s son, he will uphold him, q2=and he will deliver him out of the hand of his adversaries. q1={v19}Let’s test him with insult and torture, q2=that we may find out how gentle he is, q2=and test his patience. q1={v20}Let’s condemn him to a shameful death, q2=for he will be protected, according to his words.” b= q1={v21}Thus they reasoned, and they were led astray; q2=for their wickedness blinded them, q1={v22}and they didn’t know the mysteries of God, q2=neither did they hope for wages of holiness, q2=nor did they discern that there is a prize for blameless souls. q1={v23}Because God created man for incorruption, q2=and made him an image of his own everlastingness; q1={v24}but death entered into the world by the envy of the devil, q2=and those who belong to him experience it. q1={c3}{v1}But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, q2=and no torment will touch them. q1={v2}In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died. q2=Their departure was considered a disaster, q2={v3}and their travel away from us ruin, q2=but they are in peace. q1={v4}For even if in the sight of men they are punished, q2=their hope is full of immortality. q1={v5}Having borne a little chastening, they will receive great good; q2=because God tested them, and found them worthy of himself. q1={v6}He tested them like gold in the furnace, q2=and he accepted them as a whole burnt offering. q1={v7}In the time of their visitation they will shine. q2=They will run back and forth like sparks among stubble. q1={v8}They will judge nations and have dominion over peoples. q2=The Lord will reign over them forever. q2={v9}Those who trust him will understand truth. q2=The faithful will live with him in love, q2=because grace and mercy are with his chosen ones. b= q1={v10}But the ungodly will be punished even as their reasoning deserves, q2=those who neglected righteousness and revolted from the Lord; q2={v11}for he who despises wisdom and discipline is miserable. q1=Their hope is void and their toils unprofitable. q2=Their works are useless. q1={v12}Their wives are foolish and their children are wicked. q2={v13}Their descendants are cursed. q1=For the barren woman who is undefiled is happy, q2=she who has not conceived in transgression. q2=She will have fruit when God examines souls. q1={v14}So is the eunuch which has done no lawless deed with his hands, q2=nor imagined wicked things against the Lord; q1=for a precious gift will be given to him for his faithfulness, q2=and a delightful inheritance in the Lord’s sanctuary. q1={v15}For good labors have fruit of great renown. q2=The root of understanding can’t fail. q1={v16}But children of adulterers will not come to maturity. q2=The seed of an unlawful union will vanish away. q1={v17}For if they live long, they will not be esteemed, q2=and in the end, their old age will be without honor. q1={v18}If they die young, they will have no hope, q2=nor consolation in the day of judgment. q1={v19}For the end of an unrighteous generation is always grievous. q1={c4}{v1}It is better to be childless with virtue, q2=for immortality is in the memory of virtue, q2=because it is recognized both before God and before men. q1={v2}When it is present, people imitate it. q2=They long after it when it has departed. q1=Throughout all time it marches, crowned in triumph, q2=victorious in the competition for the prizes that are undefiled. q1={v3}But the multiplying brood of the ungodly will be of no profit, q2=and their illegitimate offshoots won’t take deep root, q2=nor will they establish a sure hold. q1={v4}For even if they grow branches and flourish for a season, q2=standing unsure, they will be shaken by the wind. q2=They will be uprooted by the violence of winds. q1={v5}Their branches will be broken off before they come to maturity. q2=Their fruit will be useless, q2=never ripe to eat, and fit for nothing. q1={v6}For unlawfully conceived children are witnesses of wickedness q2=against parents when they are investigated. b= q1={v7}But a righteous man, even if he dies before his time, will be at rest. q1={v8}For honorable old age is not that which stands in length of time, q2=nor is its measure given by number of years, q2={v9}but understanding is gray hair to men, q2=and an unspotted life is ripe old age. b= q1={v10}Being found well-pleasing to God, someone was loved. q2=While living among sinners he was transported. q1={v11}He was caught away, lest evil should change his understanding, q2=or guile deceive his soul. q1={v12}For the fascination of wickedness obscures the things which are good, q2=and the whirl of desire perverts an innocent mind. q1={v13}Being made perfect quickly, q2=he filled a long time; q2={v14}for his soul was pleasing to the Lord. q2=Therefore he hurried out of the midst of wickedness. q1={v15}But the peoples saw and didn’t understand, q2=not considering this, that grace and mercy are with his chosen, q2=and that he visits his holy ones; q1={v16}but a righteous man who is dead will condemn the ungodly who are living, q2=and youth who is quickly perfected will condemn the many years of an unrighteous man’s old age. q1={v17}For the ungodly will see a wise man’s end, q2=and won’t understand what the Lord planned for him, q2=and why he safely kept him. q1={v18}They will see, and they will despise; q2=but the Lord will laugh them to scorn. q1=After this, they will become a dishonored carcass q2=and a reproach among the dead forever; q1={v19}because he will dash them speechless to the ground, q2=and will shake them from the foundations. q1=They will lie utterly waste. q2=They will be in anguish q2=and their memory will perish. b= q1={v20}They will come with coward fear when their sins are counted. q2=Their lawless deeds will convict them to their face. q1={c5}{v1}Then the righteous man will stand in great boldness q2=before the face of those who afflicted him, q2=and those who make his labors of no account. q1={v2}When they see him, they will be troubled with terrible fear, q2=and will be amazed at the marvel of salvation. q1={v3}They will speak among themselves repenting, q2=and for distress of spirit they will groan, q2=“This was he whom we used to hold in derision, q2=as a parable of reproach. q1={v4}We fools considered his life madness, q2=and his end without honor. q1={v5}How was he counted among sons of God? q2=How is his lot among saints? q1={v6}Truly we went astray from the way of truth. q2=The light of righteousness didn’t shine for us. q2=The sun didn’t rise for us. q1={v7}We\f + \fr 5:7 \ft See Proverbs 14:14. \f* took our fill of the paths of lawlessness and destruction. q2=We traveled through trackless deserts, q2=but we didn’t know the Lord’s way. q1={v8}What did our arrogance profit us? q2=What good have riches and boasting brought us? b= q1={v9}Those things all passed away as a shadow, q2=like a rumor that runs by, q2={v10}like a ship passing through the billowy water, q2=which, when it has gone by, there is no trace to be found, q2=no pathway of its keel in the waves. q1={v11}Or it is like when a bird flies through the air, q2=no evidence of its passage is found, q2=but the light wind, lashed with the stroke of its pinions, q2=and torn apart with the violent rush of the moving wings, is passed through. q2=Afterwards no sign of its coming remains. q1={v12}Or it is like when an arrow is shot at a mark, q2=the air it divided closes up again immediately, q2=so that men don’t know where it passed through. q1={v13}So we also, as soon as we were born, ceased to be; q2=and we had no sign of virtue to show, q2=but we were utterly consumed in our wickedness.” q1={v14}Because the hope of the ungodly man is like chaff carried by the wind, q2=and\f + \fr 5:14 \ft Gr. \fqa like foam chased to thinness: \ft or, \fqa as thin foam chased. \f* as\f + \fr 5:14 \ft Most Greek authorities read \fqa hoar frost: \ft some authorities, perhaps rightly, \fqa a spider’s web.\f* foam vanishing before a tempest; q2=and is scattered like smoke by the wind, q2=and passes by as the remembrance of a guest who stays just a day. b= q1={v15}But the righteous live forever. q2=Their reward is in the Lord, q2=and the care for them with the Most High. q1={v16}Therefore they will receive the crown of royal dignity q2=and the diadem of beauty from the Lord’s hand, q1=because he will cover them with his right hand, q2=and he will shield them with his arm. q1={v17}He will take his zeal as complete armor, q2=and will make the whole creation his weapons to punish his enemies: q1={v18}He will put on righteousness as a breastplate, q2=and will wear impartial judgment as a helmet. q1={v19}He will take holiness as an invincible shield. q2={v20}He will sharpen stern wrath for a sword. q2=The universe will go with him to fight against his frenzied foes. q1={v21}Shafts of lightning will fly with true aim. q2=They will leap to the mark from the clouds, as from a well-drawn bow. q1={v22}Hailstones full of wrath will be hurled as from a catapult. q2=The water of the sea will be angered against them. q2=Rivers will sternly overwhelm them. q1={v23}A mighty wind will encounter them. q2=It will winnow them away like a tempest. q1=So lawlessness will make all the land desolate. q2=Their evil-doing will overturn the thrones of princes. q1={c6}{v1}Hear therefore, you kings, and understand. q2=Learn, you judges of the ends of the earth. q2={v2}Give ear, you rulers who have dominion over many people, q2=and make your boast\f + \fr 6:2 \ft Or, \fqa in the multitudes of your nations \f* in multitudes of nations, q1={v3}because your dominion was given to you from the Lord, q2=and your sovereignty from the Most High. q1=He will search out your works, q2=and will inquire about your plans, q1={v4}because being officers of his kingdom, you didn’t judge rightly, q2=nor did you keep the law, q2=nor did you walk according to God’s counsel. q1={v5}He will come upon you awfully and swiftly, q2=because a stern judgment comes on those who are in high places. q1={v6}For the man of low estate may be pardoned in mercy, q2=but mighty men will be mightily tested. q1={v7}For the Sovereign Lord of all will not be impressed with anyone, q2=neither will he show deference to greatness; q1=because it is he who made both small and great, q2=and cares about them all; q1={v8}but the scrutiny that comes upon the powerful is strict. q1={v9}Therefore, my words are to you, O princes, q2=that you may learn wisdom and not fall away. q1={v10}For those who have kept the things that are holy in holiness will be made holy. q2=Those who have been taught them will find what to say in defense. q1={v11}Therefore set your desire on my words. q2=Long for them, and you princes will be instructed. b= q1={v12}Wisdom is radiant and doesn’t fade away; q2=and is easily seen by those who love her, q2=and found by those who seek her. q1={v13}She anticipates those who desire her, making herself known. q1={v14}He who rises up early to seek her won’t have difficulty, q2=for he will find her sitting at his gates. q2={v15}For to think upon her is perfection of understanding, q2=and he who watches for her will quickly be free from care; q1={v16}because she herself goes around, seeking those who are worthy of her, q2=and in their paths she appears to them graciously, q2=and in every purpose she meets them. q1={v17}For her true beginning is desire for instruction; q2=and desire for instruction is love. q1={v18}And love is observance of her laws. q2=To give heed to her laws confirms immortality. q1={v19}Immortality brings closeness to God. q2={v20}So then desire for wisdom promotes to a kingdom. b= q1={v21}If therefore you delight in thrones and sceptres, you princes of peoples, q2=honor wisdom, that you may reign forever. q1={v22}But what wisdom is, and how she came into being, I will declare. q2=I won’t hide mysteries from you; q2=but I will explore from her first beginning, q2=bring the knowledge of her into clear light, q2=and I will not pass by the truth. q1={v23}Indeed, I won’t travel with consuming envy, q2=because envy will have no fellowship with wisdom. q1={v24}But a multitude of wise men is salvation to the world, q2=and an understanding king is stability for his people. q1={v25}Therefore be instructed by my words, and you will profit. q1={c7}{v1}I myself am also\f + \fr 7:1 \ft Many authorities read \fqa a mortal man.\f* mortal, like everyone else, q2=and am a descendant of one formed first and born of the earth. q1={v2}I molded into flesh in the time of ten months in my mother’s womb, q2=being compacted in blood from the seed of man and pleasure of marriage. q1={v3}I also, when I was born, drew in the common air, q2=and fell upon the kindred earth, q1=uttering, like all, for my first voice, the same cry. q1={v4}I was nursed with care in swaddling clothes. q1={v5}For no king had a different beginning, q2={v6}but all men have one entrance into life, and a common departure. b= q1={v7}For this cause I prayed, and understanding was given to me. q2=I asked, and a spirit of wisdom came to me. q1={v8}I preferred her before sceptres and thrones. q2=I considered riches nothing in comparison to her. q1={v9}Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem, q2=because all gold in her presence is a little sand, q2=and silver will be considered as clay before her. q1={v10}I loved her more than health and beauty, q2=and I chose to have her rather than light, q2=because her bright shining is never laid to sleep. q1={v11}All good things came to me with her, q2=and innumerable riches are in her hands. q1={v12}And I rejoiced over them all because wisdom leads them; q2=although I didn’t know that she was their mother. q1={v13}As I learned without guile, I impart without grudging. q2=I don’t hide her riches. q1={v14}For she is a treasure for men that doesn’t fail, q2=and those who use it obtain friendship with God, q2=commended by the gifts which they present through discipline. b= q1={v15}But may God grant that I may speak his judgment, q2=and to conceive thoughts worthy of what has been given me; q2=because he is one who guides even wisdom and who corrects the wise. q1={v16}For both we and our words are in his hand, q2=with all understanding and skill in various crafts. q1={v17}For he himself gave me an unerring knowledge of the things that are, q2=to know the structure of the universe and the operation of the elements; q2={v18}the beginning, end, and middle of times; q2=the alternations of the solstices and the changes of seasons; q2={v19}the circuits of years and the positions of stars; q2={v20}the natures of living creatures and the raging of wild beasts; q2=the violence of\f + \fr 7:20 \ft Or, \fqa spirits \f* winds and the thoughts of men; q2=the diversities of plants and the virtues of roots. q1={v21}All things that are either secret or manifest I learned, q2={v22}for wisdom, that is the architect of all things, taught me. b= q1=For there is in her a spirit that is quick to understand, holy, q2=unique, manifold, subtle, freely moving, clear in utterance, unpolluted, q2=distinct, invulnerable, loving what is good, keen, unhindered, q2={v23}beneficent, loving toward man, steadfast, sure, free from care, all-powerful, all-surveying, q2=and penetrating through all spirits that are quick to understand, pure, most subtle. q1={v24}For wisdom is more mobile than any motion. q2=Yes, she pervades and penetrates all things by reason of her purity. q1={v25}For she is a breath of the power of God, q2=and a pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty. q1=Therefore nothing defiled can find entrance into her. q1={v26}For she is a reflection of everlasting light, q2=an unspotted mirror of the working of God, q2=and an image of his goodness. q1={v27}Although she is one, she has power to do all things. q2=Remaining in herself, she renews all things. q1=From generation to generation passing into holy souls, q2=she makes friends of God and prophets. q2={v28}For God loves nothing as much as one who dwells with wisdom. q1={v29}For she is fairer than the sun, q2=and above all the constellations of the stars. q2=She is better than light. q1={v30}For daylight yields to night, q2=but evil does not prevail against wisdom. q1={c8}{v1}But she reaches from one end to the other with full strength, q2=and orders all things well. b= q1={v2}I loved her and sought her from my youth. q2=I sought to take her for my bride. q2=I became enamoured by her beauty. q1={v3}She glorifies her noble birth by living with God. q2=The Sovereign Lord of all loves her. q1={v4}For she is initiated into the knowledge of God, q2=and she chooses his works. q1={v5}But if riches are a desired possession in life, q2=what is richer than wisdom, which makes all things? q1={v6}And if understanding is effective, q2=who more than\f + \fr 8:6 \ft Gr. \fqa she. \f* wisdom is an architect of the things that exist? q1={v7}If a man loves righteousness, q2=the fruits of wisdom’s labor\f + \fr 8:7 \ft Gr. \fqa her labors\f* are virtues, q2=for she teaches soberness, understanding, righteousness, and courage. q2=There is nothing in life more profitable for people than these. q1={v8}And if anyone longs for wide experience, q2=she knows the things of old, and infers the things to come. q2=She understands subtleties of speeches and interpretations of dark sayings. q2=She foresees signs and wonders, and the issues of seasons and times. b= q1={v9}Therefore I determined to take her to live with me, q2=knowing that she is one who would give me good counsel, q2=and encourage me in cares and grief. q1={v10}Because of her, I will have glory among multitudes, q2=and honor in the sight of elders, though I am young. q1={v11}I will be found keen when I give judgment. q2=I will be admired in the presence of rulers. q1={v12}When I am silent, they will wait for me. q2=When I open my lips, they will heed what I say. q2=If I continue speaking, they will put their hands on their mouths. q1={v13}Because of her, I will have immortality, q2=and leave behind an eternal memory to those who come after me. q1={v14}I will govern peoples. q2=Nations will be subjected to me. q1={v15}Dreaded monarchs will fear me when they hear of me. q2=Among the people, I will show myself to be good, and courageous in war. q1={v16}When I come into my house, I will find rest with her. q2=For conversation with her has no bitterness, q2=and living with her has no pain, but gladness and joy. q1={v17}When I considered these things in myself, q2=and thought in my heart how immortality is in kinship to wisdom, q1={v18}and in her friendship is good delight, q2=and in the labors of her hands is wealth that doesn’t fail, q2=and understanding is in her companionship, q2=and great renown in having fellowship with her words, q2=I went about seeking how to take her to myself. q1={v19}Now I was a clever child, and received a good soul. q2={v20}Or rather, being good, I came into an undefiled body. q1={v21}But perceiving that I could not otherwise possess wisdom unless God gave her to me— q2=yes, and to know and understand by whom the grace is given— q2=I pleaded with the Lord and implored him, and with my whole heart I said: q1={c9}{v1}“O God of my ancestors and Lord of mercy, q2=who made all things by your word; q1={v2}and by your wisdom you formed man, q2=that he should have dominion over the creatures that were made by you, q1={v3}and rule the world in holiness and righteousness, q2=and execute judgment in uprightness of soul, q2={v4}give me wisdom, her who sits by you on your thrones. q1=Don’t reject me from among your\f + \fr 9:4 \ft Or, \fqa children \f* servants, q2={v5}because I am your servant and the son of your handmaid, q2=a weak and short-lived man, q2=with little power to understand judgment and laws. q1={v6}For even if a man is perfect among the sons of men, q2=if the wisdom that comes from you is not with him, he will count for nothing. q1={v7}You chose me to be king of your people, q2=and a judge for your sons and daughters. q1={v8}You gave a command to build a sanctuary on your holy mountain, q2=and\f + \fr 9:8 \ft Or, \fqa a place of sacrifice \f* an altar in the city where you live, q2=a copy of the holy tent which you prepared from the beginning. q1={v9}Wisdom is with you and knows your works, q2=and was present when you were making the world, q2=and understands what is pleasing in your eyes, q2=and what is right according to your commandments. q1={v10}Send her from the holy heavens, q2=and ask her to come from the throne of your glory, q2=that being present with me she may work, q2=and I may learn what pleases you well. q1={v11}For she knows all things and understands, q2=and she will guide me prudently in my actions. q2=She will guard me in her glory. q1={v12}So my works will be acceptible. q2=I will judge your people righteously, q2=and I will be worthy of my father’s\f + \fr 9:12 \ft Gr. \fqa thrones. \f* throne. q1={v13}For what man will know the counsel of God? q2=Or who will conceive what the Lord wills? q1={v14}For the thoughts of mortals are unstable, q2=and our plans are prone to fail. q1={v15}For a corruptible body weighs down the soul. q2=The earthy tent burdens a mind that is full of cares. q1={v16}We can hardly guess the things that are on earth, q2=and we find the things that are close at hand with labor; q2=but who has traced out the things that are in the heavens? q1={v17}Who gained knowledge of your counsel, unless you gave wisdom, q2=and sent your holy spirit from on high? q1={v18}It was thus that the ways of those who are on earth were corrected, q2=and men were taught the things that are pleasing to you. q2=They were saved through wisdom.” b=q1={c10}{v1}Wisdom\f + \fr 10:1 \ft Gr. \fqa She. \f* guarded to the end the first formed father of the world, who was created alone, q2=and delivered him out of his own transgression, q1={v2}and gave him strength to rule over all things. q1={v3}But when an unrighteous man fell away from her in his anger, q2=he perished himself in the rage with which he killed his brother. q1={v4}When for his cause the earth was drowning with a flood, q1=wisdom again saved it, q1=guiding the righteous man’s course by a paltry piece of wood. b= q1={v5}Moreover, when nations consenting together in wickedness had been confounded, q2=wisdom\f + \fr 10:5 \ft Gr. \fqa she \f* knew the righteous man, and preserved him blameless to God, q2=and kept him strong when his heart yearned toward his child. b= q1={v6}While the ungodly were perishing, wisdom\f + \fr 10:6 \ft Gr. \fqa she \f* delivered a righteous man, q2=when he fled from the fire that descended out of heaven on the five cities. q1={v7}To whose wickedness a smoking waste still witnesses, q2=and plants bearing fair fruit that doesn’t ripen, q2=a disbelieving soul has a memorial: a standing pillar of salt. q1={v8}For having passed wisdom by, q2=not only were they disabled from recognising the things which are good, q2=but they also left behind them for their life a monument of their folly, q2=to the end that where they stumbled, they might fail even to be unseen; q1={v9}but wisdom delivered those who waited on her out of troubles. b= q1={v10}When a righteous man was a fugitive from a brother’s wrath,\f + \fr 10:10 \ft Gr. \fqa she. \f* wisdom guided him in straight paths. q2=She showed him God’s kingdom, and gave him knowledge of holy things. q2=She prospered him in his toils, and multiplied the fruits of his labor. q1={v11}When in their covetousness men dealt harshly with him, q2=she stood by him and made him rich. q1={v12}She guarded him from enemies, q2=and she kept him safe from those who lay in wait. q2=Over his severe conflict, she watched as judge, q2=that he might know that godliness is more powerful than every one. b= q1={v13}When a righteous man was sold,\f + \fr 10:13 \ft Gr. \fqa she. \f* wisdom didn’t forsake him, q2=but she delivered him from sin. q2=She went down with him into a dungeon, q1={v14}and in bonds she didn’t depart from him, q2=until she brought him the sceptre of a kingdom, q2=and authority over those that dealt like a tyrant with him. q2=She also showed those who had mockingly accused him to be false, q2=and gave him eternal glory. b= q1={v15}Wisdom\f + \fr 10:15 \ft Gr. \fqa she. \f* delivered a holy people and a blameless seed from a nation of oppressors. q1={v16}She entered into the soul of a servant of the Lord, q2=and withstood terrible kings in wonders and signs. q1={v17}She rendered to holy men a reward of their toils. q2=She guided them along a marvelous way, q2=and became to them a covering in the day-time, q2=and a starry flame through the night. q1={v18}She brought them over the Red sea, q2=and led them through much water; q1={v19}but she drowned their enemies, q2=and she cast them up from the bottom of the deep. q1={v20}Therefore the righteous plundered the ungodly, q2=and they sang praise to your holy name, O Lord, q2=and extolled with one accord your hand that fought for them, q1={v21}because wisdom opened the mouth of the mute, q1=and made the tongues of babes to speak clearly. b=q1={c11}{v1}Wisdom prospered their works in the hand of a holy prophet. b= q1={v2}They traveled through a desert without inhabitant, q2=and they pitched their tents in trackless regions. q1={v3}They withstood enemies and repelled foes. q1={v4}They thirsted, and they called upon you, q2=and water was given to them out of the\f + \fr 11:4 \ft See Deuteronomy 8:15; Psalm 114:8. \f* flinty rock, q2=and healing of their thirst out of the hard stone. q1={v5}For by what things their foes were punished, q2=by these they in their need were benefited. q1={v6}When enemies were troubled with clotted blood q2=instead of a river’s ever-flowing fountain, q1={v7}to rebuke the decree for the slaying of babies, q2=you gave them abundant water beyond all hope, q1={v8}having shown by the thirst which they had suffered q2=how you punished the adversaries. q1={v9}For when they were tried, although chastened in mercy, q2=they learned how the ungodly were tormented, being judged with wrath. q1={v10}For you tested these as a father admonishing them; q2=but you searched out those as a stern king condemning them. q1={v11}Yes and whether they were far off or near, q2=they were equally distressed; q1={v12}for a double grief seized them, q2=and a groaning at the memory of things past. q1={v13}For when they heard that through their own punishments the others benefited, q2=they recognized the Lord. q1={v14}For him who long before was thrown out and exposed they stopped mocking. q2=In the end of what happened, they marveled, q2=having thirsted in another manner than the righteous. b= q1={v15}But in return for the senseless imaginings of their unrighteousness, q2=wherein they were led astray to worship irrational reptiles and wretched vermin, q2=you sent upon them a multitude of irrational creatures to punish them, q2={v16}that they might learn that by what things a man sins, by these he is punished. q1={v17}For your all-powerful hand q2=that created the world out of formless matter q2=didn’t lack means to send upon them a multitude of bears, fierce lions, q2={v18}or newly-created and unknown wild beasts, full of rage, q2=either breathing out a blast of fiery breath, q2=or belching out smoke, q2=or flashing dreadful sparks from their eyes; q1={v19}which had power not only to consume them by their violence, q2=but to destroy them even by the terror of their sight. q1={v20}Yes and without these they might have fallen by a single breath, q2=being pursued by Justice, and scattered abroad by the breath of your power; q2=but you arranged all things by measure, number, and weight. b= q1={v21}For to be greatly strong is yours at all times. q2=Who could withstand the might of your arm? q1={v22}Because the whole world before you is as a grain in a balance, q2=and as a drop of dew that comes down upon the earth in the morning. q1={v23}But you have mercy on all men, because you have power to do all things, q2=and you overlook the sins of men to the end that they may repent. q1={v24}For you love all things that are, q2=and abhor none of the things which you made; q2=For you never would have formed anything if you hated it. q1={v25}How would anything have endured unless you had willed it? q2=Or that which was not called by you, how would it have been preserved? q1={v26}But you spare all things, because they are yours, q2=O Sovereign Lord, you who love the living. q1={c12}{v1}For your incorruptible spirit is in all things. q1={v2}Therefore you convict little by little those who fall from the right way, q2=and, putting them in remembrance by the things wherein they sin, you admonish them, q2=that escaping from their wickedness they may believe in you, O Lord. b= q1={v3}For truly the old inhabitants of your holy land, q2={v4}hating them because they practiced detestable works of enchantments and unholy rites— q2={v5}merciless slaughters of children q2=and sacrificial banquets of men’s flesh and of blood— q2={v6}allies in an impious fellowship, q2=and murderers of their own helpless babes, q2=it was your counsel to destroy by the hands of our fathers; q2={v7}that the land which in your sight is most precious of all q2=might receive a worthy colony of God’s servants.\f + \fr 12:7 \ft Or, \fqa children \f* q1={v8}Nevertheless you even spared these as men, q2=and you sent hornets\f + \fr 12:8 \ft Or, \fqa wasps \f* as forerunners of your army, q2=to cause them to perish little by little. q1={v9}Not that you were unable to subdue the ungodly under the hand of the righteous in battle, q2=or by terrible beasts or by a stern word to make away with them at once, q1={v10}but judging them little by little you gave them a chance to repent, q2=not being ignorant that their nature by birth was evil, q2=their wickedness inborn, q2=and that their manner of thought would never be changed. q1={v11}For they were a cursed seed from the beginning. q2=It wasn’t through fear of any that you left them unpunished for their sins. b= q1={v12}For who will say, “What have you done?” q2=Or “Who will withstand your judgment?” q1=Who will accuse you for the perishing of nations which you caused? q2=Or who will come and stand before you as an avenger for unrighteous men? q1={v13}For there isn’t any God beside you that cares for all, q2=that you might show that you didn’t judge unrighteously. q1={v14}No king or prince will be able to confront you q2=about those whom you have punished. q1={v15}But being righteous, you rule all things righteously, q2=deeming it a thing alien from your power q2=to condemn one who doesn’t deserve to be punished. q1={v16}For your strength is the source of righteousness, q2=and your sovereignty over all makes you to forbear all. q1={v17}For when men don’t believe that you are perfect in power, you show your strength, q2=and in dealing with those who think this, you confuse their boldness. q1={v18}But you, being sovereign in strength, judge in gentleness, q2=and with great forbearance you govern us; q2=for the power is yours whenever you desire it. b= q1={v19}But you taught your people by such works as these, q2=how the righteous must be kind. q1=You made your sons to have good hope, q2=because you give repentance when men have sinned. q1={v20}For if on those who were enemies of your servants\f + \fr 12:20 \ft Or, \fqa children \f* and deserving of death, q2=you took vengeance with so great deliberation and indulgence, q2=giving them times and opportunities when they might escape from their wickedness, q1={v21}with how great care you judged your sons, q2=to whose fathers you gave oaths and covenants of good promises! q1={v22}Therefore while you chasten us, you scourge our enemies ten thousand times more, q2=to the intent that we may ponder your goodness when we judge, q2=and when we are judged may look for mercy. b= q1={v23}Therefore also the unrighteous that lived in a life of folly, q2=you tormented through their own abominations. q1={v24}For truly they went astray very far in the ways of error, q2=Taking as gods those animals\f + \fr 12:24 \ft Gr. \fqa living creatures: \ft and so elsewhere in this book. \f* which even among their enemies were held in dishonor, q2=deceived like foolish babes. q1={v25}Therefore, as to unreasoning children, you sent your judgment to mock them. q1={v26}But those who would not be admonished by mild correction q2=will experience the deserved judgment of God. q1={v27}For through the sufferings they were indignant of, q2=being punished in these creatures which they supposed to be gods, q2=they saw and recognized as the true God him whom they previously refused to know. q2=Therefore also the result of extreme condemnation came upon them. b=q1={c13}{v1}For truly all men who had no perception of God were foolish by nature, q2=and didn’t gain power to know him who exists from the good things that are seen. q2=They didn’t recognize the architect from his works. q1={v2}But they thought that either fire, or wind, or swift air, q2=or circling stars, or raging water, or luminaries of heaven q2=were gods that rule the world. q1={v3}If it was through delight in their beauty that they took them to be gods, q2=let them know how much better their Sovereign Lord is than these, q2=for the first author of beauty created them. q1={v4}But if it was through astonishment at their power and influence, q2=then let them understand from them how much more powerful he who formed them is. q1={v5}For from the greatness of the beauty of created things, q2=mankind forms the corresponding perception of their Maker.\f + \fr 13:5 \ft Gr. \fqa is the first maker of them seen.\f* q1={v6}But yet for these men there is but small blame, q2=for they too perhaps go astray q2=while they are seeking God and desiring to find him. q1={v7}For they diligently search while living among his works, q2=and they trust their sight that the things that they look at are beautiful. q1={v8}But again even they are not to be excused. q1={v9}For if they had power to know so much, q2=that they should be able to explore the world, q2=how is it that they didn’t find the Sovereign Lord sooner? b= q1={v10}But they were miserable, and their hopes were in dead things, q2=who called them gods which are works of men’s hands, q2=gold and silver, skillfully made, and likenesses of animals, q2=or a useless stone, the work of an ancient hand. q1={v11}Yes and some\f + \fr 13:11 \ft Gr. \fqa carpenter who is a woodcutter. \f* woodcutter might saw down a tree that is easily moved, q2=skillfully strip away all its bark, q2=and fashion it in attractive form, make a useful vessel to serve his life’s needs. q1={v12}Burning the scraps from his handiwork to cook his food, q2=he eats his fill. q1={v13}Taking a discarded scrap which served no purpose, q2=a crooked piece of wood and full of knots, q2=he carves it with the diligence of his idleness, q2=and shapes it by the skill of his idleness. q1=He shapes it in the image of a man, q2={v14}or makes it like some worthless animal, q2=smearing it with something red, painting it red, q2=and smearing over every stain in it. q1={v15}Having made a worthy chamber for it, q2=he sets it in a wall, securing it with iron. q1={v16}He plans for it that it may not fall down, q2=knowing that it is unable to help itself q2=(for truly it is an image, and needs help). q1={v17}When he makes his prayer concerning goods and his marriage and children, q2=he is not ashamed to speak to that which has no life. q1={v18}Yes, for health, he calls upon that which is weak. q2=For life, he implores that which is dead. q2=For aid, he supplicates that which has no experience. q2=For a good journey, he asks that which can’t so much as move a step. q1={v19}And for profit in business and good success of his hands, q2=he asks ability from that which has hands with no ability. q1={c14}{v1}Again, one preparing to sail, and about to journey over raging waves, q2=calls upon a piece of wood more fragile than the vessel that carries him. q1={v2}For the hunger for profit planned it, q2=and wisdom was the craftsman who built it. q1={v3}Your providence, O Father, guides it along, q2=because even in the sea you gave a way, q2=and in the waves a sure path, q1={v4}showing that you can save out of every danger, q2=that even a man without skill may put to sea. q1={v5}It is your will that the works of your wisdom should not be ineffective. q2=Therefore men also entrust their lives to a little piece of wood, q2=and passing through the surge on a raft come safely to land. q1={v6}For\f + \fr 14:6 \ft The Greek text here may be corrupt. \f* in the old time also, when proud giants were perishing, q2=the hope of the world, taking refuge on a raft, q2=your hand guided the seed of generations of the race of men. q1={v7}For blessed is wood through which comes righteousness; q2={v8}but the idol made with hands is accursed, itself and he that made it; q2=because his was the working, and the corruptible thing was called a god. q1={v9}For both the ungodly and his ungodliness are alike hateful to God; q2={v10}for truly the deed will be punished together with him who committed it. q2={v11}Therefore also there will be a visitation among the idols of the nation, q2=because, though formed of things which God created, they were made an abomination, q2=stumbling blocks to the souls of men, q2=and a snare to the feet of the foolish. b= q1={v12}For the devising of idols was the beginning of fornication, q2=and the invention of them the corruption of life. q1={v13}For they didn’t exist from the beginning, and they won’t exist forever. q1={v14}For by the boastfulness of men they entered into the world, q2=and therefore a speedy end was planned for them. b= q1={v15}For a father worn with untimely grief, q2=making an image of the child quickly taken away, q2=now honored him as a god which was then a dead human being, q2=and delivered to those that were under him mysteries and solemn rites. q1={v16}Afterward the ungodly custom, in process of time grown strong, was kept as a law, q2=and the engraved images received worship by the commandments of princes. q1={v17}And when men could not honor them in presence because they lived far off, q2=imagining the likeness from afar, q2=they made a visible image of the king whom they honored, q2=that by their zeal they might flatter the absent as if present. b= q1={v18}But worship was raised to a yet higher pitch, even by those who didn’t know him, q2=urged forward by the ambition of the architect; q1={v19}for he, wishing perhaps to please his ruler, q2=used his art to force the likeness toward a greater beauty. q1={v20}So the multitude, allured by reason of the grace of his handiwork, q2=now consider an object of devotion him that a little before was honored as a man. q1={v21}And this became an ambush, q2=because men, in bondage either to calamity or to tyranny, q2=invested stones and stocks with the Name that shouldn’t be shared. b= q1={v22}Afterward it was not enough for them to go astray concerning the knowledge of God, q2=but also, while they live in a great war of ignorance, they call a multitude of evils peace. q1={v23}For either slaughtering children in solemn rites, or celebrating secret mysteries, q2=or holding frenzied revels of strange customs, q1={v24}no longer do they guard either life or purity of marriage, q2=but one brings upon another either death by treachery, or anguish by adultery. q1={v25}And all things confusedly are filled with blood and murder, theft and deceit, q2=corruption, faithlessness, tumult, perjury, q1={v26}confusion about what is good, forgetfulness of favors, q2=ingratitude for benefits, q2=defiling of souls, confusion of sex, q2=disorder in marriage, adultery and wantonness. q2={v27}For the worship of idols that may not be named \x + \xo 14:27 \xt Exodus 23:13; Psalm 16:4; Hosea 2:17; Wisdom 14:21\x* q2=is a beginning and cause and end of every evil. q1={v28}For their worshipers either make merry to madness, or prophesy lies, q2=or live unrighteously, or lightly commit perjury. q1={v29}For putting their trust in lifeless idols, q2=when they have sworn a wicked oath, they expect not to suffer harm. q1={v30}But on both counts, the just doom will pursue them, q2=because they had evil thoughts of God by giving heed to idols, q2=and swore unrighteously in deceit through contempt for holiness. q1={v31}For it is not the power of things by which men swear, q2=but it is the just penalty for those who sin q2=that always visits the transgression of the unrighteous. b=q1={c15}{v1}But you, our God, are gracious and true, q2=patient, and in mercy ordering all things. q1={v2}For even if we sin, we are yours, knowing your dominion; q2=but we will not sin, knowing that we have been accounted yours. q1={v3}For to be acquainted with you is\f + \fr 15:3 \ft Gr. \fqa entire. \f* perfect righteousness, q2=and to know your dominion is the root of immortality. q1={v4}For we weren’t led astray by any evil plan of men’s, q2=nor yet by painters’ fruitless labor, q2=a form stained with varied colors, q1={v5}the sight of which leads fools into\f + \fr 15:5 \ft Some authorities read \fqa reproach. \f* lust. q2=Their desire is for the breathless form of a dead image. q1={v6}Lovers of evil things, and worthy of such hopes, q2=are those who make, desire, and worship them. b= q1={v7}For a potter, kneading soft earth, q2=laboriously molds each article for our service. q1=He fashions out of the same clay q2=both the vessels that minister to clean uses, and those of a contrary sort, q2=all in like manner. q1=What shall be the use of each article of either sort, q2=the potter is the judge. q1={v8}Also, laboring to an evil end, he molds a vain god out of the same clay, q2=he who, having but a little before been made of earth, q2=after a short space goes his way to the earth out of which he was taken, q2=when he is required to render back the\f + \fr 15:8 \ft Or, \fqa life \f* soul which was lent him. q1={v9}However he has anxious care, q2=not because his powers must fail, q2=nor because his span of life is short; q1=But he compares himself with goldsmiths and silversmiths, q2=and he imitates molders in\f + \fr 15:9 \ft Or, \fqa copper \f* brass, q2=and considers it great that he molds counterfeit gods. q1={v10}His heart is ashes. q2=His hope is of less value than earth. q2=His life is of less honor than clay, q1={v11}because he was ignorant of him who molded him, q2=and of him that inspired into him\f + \fr 15:11 \ft Gr. \fqa a soul that moves to activity. \f* an active\f + \fr 15:11 \ft Or, \fqa life \f* soul, q2=and breathed into him a vital spirit. q1={v12}But\f + \fr 15:12 \ft Some authorities read \fqa they accounted. \f* he accounted our life to be a game, q2=and our\f + \fr 15:12 \ft Or, \fqa way of life \f* lifetime a festival for profit; q1=for, he says, one must get gain however one can, even if it is by evil. q1={v13}For this man, beyond all others, knows that he sins, q2=out of earthy matter making brittle vessels and engraved images. q1={v14}But most foolish and more miserable than a baby, q2=are the enemies of your people, who oppressed them; q1={v15}because they even considered all the idols of the nations to be gods, q2=which have neither the use of eyes for seeing, q2=nor nostrils for drawing breath, q2=nor ears to hear, q2=nor fingers for handling, q2=and their feet are helpless for walking. q1={v16}For a man made them, q2=and one whose own spirit is borrowed molded them; q2=for no one has power as a man to mold a god like himself. q1={v17}But, being mortal, he makes a dead thing by the work of lawless hands; q2=for he is better than the objects of his worship, q2=since he indeed had life, but they never did. b= q1={v18}Yes, and they worship the creatures that are most hateful, q2=for, being compared as to lack of sense, these are worse than all others; q1={v19}Neither, as seen beside other creatures, are they beautiful, so that one should desire them, q2=but they have escaped both the praise of God and his blessing. q1={c16}{v1}For this cause, they were deservedly punished through creatures like those which they worship, q2=and tormented through a multitude of vermin. q1={v2}Instead of this punishment, you, giving benefits to your people, q2=prepared quails for food, q1=a delicacy to satisfy the desire of their appetite, q1={v3}to the end that your enemies, desiring food, q2=might for the hideousness of the creatures sent among them, q2=loathe even the necessary appetite; q1=but these, your people, having for a short time suffered lack, q2=might even partake of delicacies. q1={v4}For it was necessary that inescapable lack should come upon those oppressors, q2=but that to these it should only be showed how their enemies were tormented. q1={v5}For even when terrible raging of wild beasts came upon your people, q2=and they were perishing by the bites of crooked serpents, q2=your wrath didn’t continue to the uttermost; q1={v6}but for admonition were they troubled for a short time, q2=having a token of salvation q2=to put them in remembrance of the commandment of your law; b= q1={v7}for he who turned toward it was not saved because of that which was seen, q2=but because of you, the Savior of all. q1={v8}Yes, and in this you persuaded our enemies q2=that you are he who delivers out of every evil. q1={v9}For the bites of locusts and flies truly killed them. q2=No healing for their life was found, q2=because they were worthy to be punished by such things. q1={v10}But your children weren’t overcome by the very fangs of venomous dragons, q2=for your mercy passed by where they were and healed them. q1={v11}For they were bitten to put them in remembrance of your oracles, q2=and were quickly saved, lest, falling into deep forgetfulness, q2=they should become unable to respond to your kindness. q1={v12}For truly it was neither herb nor poultice that cured them, q2=but your word, O Lord, which heals all people. q1={v13}For you have authority over life and death, q2=and you lead down to the gates of Hades, and lead up again. q1={v14}But though a man kills by his wickedness, q2=he can’t retrieve the spirit that has departed q2=or release the imprisoned soul. b= q1={v15}But it is not possible to escape your hand; q1={v16}for ungodly men, refusing to know you, were scourged in the strength of your arm, q2=pursued with strange rains and hails and relentless storms, q2=and utterly consumed with fire. q1={v17}For, what was most marvelous, q2=in the water which quenches all things, the fire burned hotter; q2=for the world fights for the righteous. q1={v18}For at one time the flame was restrained, q2=that it might not burn up the creatures sent against the ungodly, q2=but that these themselves as they looked might see that they were chased by the judgment of God. q1={v19}At another time even in the midst of water it burns more intensely than fire, q2=that it may destroy the produce of an unrighteous land. q1={v20}Instead of these things, you gave your people angels’ food to eat, q2=and you provided ready-to-eat bread for them from heaven without toil, q2=having the virtue of every pleasant flavor, q2=and agreeable to every taste. q1={v21}For your nature showed your sweetness toward your children, q2=while that bread, serving the desire of the eater, q2=changed itself according to every man’s choice. q1={v22}But snow and ice endured fire, and didn’t melt, q2=that people might know that fire was destroying the fruits of the enemies, q2=burning in the hail and flashing in the rains; q1={v23}and that this fire, again, in order that righteous people may be nourished, q2=has even forgotten its own power. q1={v24}For the creation, ministering to you, its maker, q2=strains its force against the unrighteous for punishment q2=and in kindness, slackens it on behalf of those who trust in you. q1={v25}Therefore at that time also, converting itself into all forms, q2=it ministered to your all-nourishing bounty, q2=according to the desire of those who had need, q1={v26}that your children, whom you loved, O Lord, might learn q2=that it is not the growth of crops that nourishes a man, q2=but that your word preserves those who trust you. q1={v27}For that which was not destroyed by fire, q2=melted away when it was simply warmed by a faint sunbeam, q1={v28}that it might be known that we must rise before the sun to give you thanks, q2=and must pray to you at the dawning of the light; q1={v29}for the hope of the unthankful will melt as the winter’s hoar frost, q2=and will flow away as water that has no use. b=q1={c17}{v1}For your judgments are great, and hard to interpret; q2=therefore undisciplined souls went astray. q1={v2}For when lawless men had supposed that they held a holy nation in their power, q2=they, prisoners of darkness, and bound in the fetters of a long night, q2=kept close beneath their roofs, q2=lay exiled from the eternal providence. q1={v3}For while they thought that they were unseen in their secret sins, q2=they were divided from one another by a dark curtain of forgetfulness, q2=stricken with terrible awe, and very troubled by apparitions. q1={v4}For neither did the dark recesses that held them guard them from fears, q2=but terrifying sounds rang around them, q2=and dismal phantoms appeared with unsmiling faces. q1={v5}And no power of fire prevailed to give light, q2=neither were the brightest flames of the stars strong enough to illuminate that gloomy night; q1={v6}but only the glimmering of a self-kindled fire appeared to them, full of fear. q2=In terror, they considered the things which they saw q2=to be worse than that sight, on which they could not gaze. q1={v7}The mockeries of their magic arts were powerless, now, q2=and a shameful rebuke of their boasted understanding: q1={v8}For those who promised to drive away terrors and disorders from a sick soul, q2=these were sick with a ludicrous fearfulness. q1={v9}For even if no troubling thing frighted them, q2=yet, scared with the creeping of vermin and hissing of serpents, q1={v10}they perished trembling in fear, q2=refusing even to look at the air, which could not be escaped on any side. q1={v11}For wickedness, condemned by a witness within, is a coward thing, q2=and, being pressed hard by conscience, always has added forecasts of the worst. q2={v12}For fear is nothing else but a surrender of the help which reason offers; q2={v13}and from within, the expectation of being less q2=prefers ignorance of the cause that brings the torment. q1={v14}But they, all through the night which was powerless indeed, q2=and which came upon them out of the recesses of powerless Hades, q2=sleeping the same sleep, q2={v15}now were haunted by monstrous apparitions, q2=and now were paralyzed by their soul’s surrendering; q2=for sudden and unexpected fear came upon them. q1={v16}So then whoever it might be, sinking down in his place, q2=was kept captive, shut up in that prison which was not barred with iron; q1={v17}for whether he was a farmer, or a shepherd, q2=or a laborer whose toils were in the wilderness, q2=he was overtaken, and endured that inescapable sentence; q2=for they were all bound with one chain of darkness. q1={v18}Whether there was a whistling wind, q2=or a melodious sound of birds among the spreading branches, q2=or a measured fall of water running violently, q2={v19}or a harsh crashing of rocks hurled down, q2=or the swift course of animals bounding along unseen, q2=or the voice of wild beasts harshly roaring, q2=or an echo rebounding from the hollows of the mountains, q2=all these things paralyzed them with terror. q1={v20}For the whole world was illuminated with clear light, q2=and was occupied with unhindered works, q2={v21}while over them alone was spread a heavy night, q2=an image of the darkness that should afterward receive them; q2=but to themselves, they were heavier than darkness. q1={c18}{v1}But for your holy ones there was great light. q2=Their enemies, hearing their voice but not seeing their form, q2=counted it a happy thing that they too had suffered, q1={v2}yet for that they do not hurt them, though wronged by them before, they are thankful; q2=and because they had been at variance with them, they begged for pardon. q1={v3}Therefore you provided a burning pillar of fire, q2=to be a guide for your people’s unknown journey, q2=and a harmless sun for their glorious exile. q1={v4}For the Egyptians well deserved to be deprived of light and imprisoned by darkness, q2=they who had imprisoned your children, q2=through whom the incorruptible light of the law was to be given to the race of men. b= q1={v5}After they had taken counsel to kill the babes of the holy ones, q2=and when a single child had been abandoned and saved to convict them of their sin, q2=you took away from them their multitude of children, q2=and destroyed all their army together in a mighty flood. q1={v6}Our fathers were made aware of that night beforehand, q2=that, having sure knowledge, they might be cheered by the oaths which they had trusted. q1={v7}Salvation of the righteous and destruction of the enemies was expected by your people. q1={v8}For as you took vengeance on the adversaries, q2=by the same means, calling us to yourself, you glorified us. q1={v9}For holy children of good men offered sacrifice in secret, q2=and with one consent they agreed to the covenant of the divine law, q2=that they would partake alike in the same good things and the same perils, q2=the fathers already leading the sacred songs of praise. q1={v10}But the discordant cry of the enemies echoed back, q2=and a pitiful voice of lamentation for children was spread abroad. q1={v11}Both servant and master were punished with the same just doom, q2=and the commoner suffering the same as king; q1={v12}Yes, they all together, under one form of death, q2=had corpses without number. q1=For the living were not sufficient even to bury them, q2=Since at a single stroke, their most cherished offspring was consumed. q1={v13}For while they were disbelieving all things by reason of the enchantments, q2=upon the destruction of the firstborn they confessed the people to be God’s children. q1={v14}For while peaceful silence wrapped all things, q2=and night in her own swiftness was half spent, q1={v15}your all-powerful word leaped from heaven, from the royal throne, q2=a stern warrior, into the midst of the doomed land, q1={v16}bearing as a sharp sword your authentic commandment, q2=and standing, it filled all things with death, q2=and while it touched the heaven it stood upon the earth. q1={v17}Then immediately apparitions in dreams terribly troubled them, q2=and unexpected fears came upon them. q1={v18}And each, one thrown here half dead, another there, q2=made known why he was dying; q1={v19}for the dreams, disturbing them, forewarned them of this, q2=that they might not perish without knowing why they were afflicted. b= q1={v20}The experience of death also touched the righteous, q2=and a multitude were destroyed in the wilderness, q2=but the wrath didn’t last long. q1={v21}For a blameless man hurried to be their champion, q2=bringing the weapon of his own ministry, q2=prayer, and the atoning sacrifice of incense. q1=He withstood the indignation and set an end to the calamity, q2=showing that he was your servant. q1={v22}And he overcame the anger, q2=not by strength of body, not by force of weapons, q2=but by his word, he subdued the avenger q2=by bringing to remembrance oaths and covenants made with the fathers. q1={v23}For when the dead had already fallen in heaps one upon another, q2=he intervened and stopped the wrath, q2=and cut off its way to the living. q1={v24}For the whole world was pictured on his long robe, q2=and the glories of the fathers were upon the engraving of the four rows of precious stones, q2=and your majesty was upon the diadem on his head. q1={v25}The destroyer yielded to these, and they feared; q2=for it was enough only to test the wrath. b=q1={c19}{v1}But indignation without mercy came upon the ungodly to the end; q2=for God also foreknew their future, q1={v2}how, having changed their minds to let your people go, q2=and having sped them eagerly on their way, q2=they would change their minds and pursue them. q1={v3}For while they were yet in the midst of their mourning, q2=and lamenting at the graves of the dead, q2=they made another foolish decision, q2=and pursued as fugitives those whom they had begged to leave and driven out. q1={v4}For the doom which they deserved was drawing them to this end, q2=and it made them forget the things that had happened to them, q2=that they might fill up the punishment which was yet lacking from their torments, q2={v5}and that your people might journey on by a marvelous road, q2=but they themselves might find a strange death. b= q1={v6}For the whole creation, each part in its diverse kind, was made new again, q2=complying with your commandments, q2=that your servants might be kept unharmed. q1={v7}Then the cloud that overshadowed the camp was seen, q2=and dry land rising up out of what had been water, q2=out of the Red sea an unhindered highway, q2=and a grassy plain out of the violent surge, q2={v8}by which they passed over with all their army, q2=these who were covered with your hand, q2=having seen strange marvels. q1={v9}For like horses they roamed at large, q2=and they skipped about like lambs, q2=praising you, O Lord, who was their deliverer. q1={v10}For they still remembered the things that happened in the time of their sojourning, q2=how instead of bearing cattle, the land brought forth lice, q2=and instead of fish, the river spewed out a multitude of frogs. q1={v11}But afterwards, they also saw a new kind of birds, q2=when, led on by desire, they asked for luxurious dainties; q1={v12}for, to comfort them, quails came up for them from the sea. b= q1={v13}Punishments came upon the sinners, q2=not without the signs that were given beforehand by the violence of the thunder, q2=for they justly suffered through their own wickednesses, q2=for the hatred which they practiced toward guests was grievous indeed. q1={v14}For while the others didn’t receive the strangers when they came to them, q2=the Egyptians made slaves of guests who were their benefactors. q1={v15}And not only so, but while punishment of some sort will come upon the former, q2=since they received as enemies those who were aliens; q2={v16}because these first welcomed with feastings, q2=and then afflicted with dreadful toils, q2=those who had already shared with them in the same rights. q1={v17}And moreover they were stricken with loss of sight q2=(even as were those others at the righteous man’s doors), q2=when, being surrounded with yawning darkness, q2=they each looked for the passage through his own door. b= q1={v18}For as the notes of a lute vary the character of the rhythm, q2=even so the elements, changing their order one with another, q2=continuing always in its sound, q2=as may clearly be conjectured from the sight of the things that have happened. q1={v19}For creatures of the dry land were turned into creatures of the waters, q2=and creatures that swim moved upon the land. q1={v20}Fire kept the mastery of its own power in water, q2=and water forgot its quenching nature. q1={v21}On the contrary, flames didn’t consume flesh of perishable creatures that walked among them, q2=neither did they melt the crystalline grains of ambrosial food that were melted easily. b= q1={v22}For in all things, O Lord, you magnified your people, q2=and you glorified them and didn’t lightly regard them, q2=standing by their side in every time and place.