1
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.
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,
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.
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.
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.
9
For equally hateful to God are the ungodly and their ungodliness;
10
for what was done will be punished together with the one who did it.
11
Therefore there will be a visitation also upon the heathen idols,
because, though part of what God created, they became an abomination,
snares for human souls
and a trap for the feet of the foolish.