Wis 16
1
Therefore by the like were they punished worthily, and by the multitude of beasts
tormented.
2
Instead of which punishment, dealing graciously with your own people, you prepared
for them meat of a strange taste, even quails to stir up their appetite:
3
To the end that they, desiring food, might for the ugly sight of the beasts sent among
them lothe even that, which they must needs desire; but these, suffering penury for
a short space, might be made partakers of a strange taste.
4
For it was requisite, that upon them exercising tyranny should come penury, which
they could not avoid: but to these it should only be shewed how their enemies were
tormented.
5
For when the horrible fierceness of beasts came upon these, and they perished with
the stings of crooked serpents, your anger endured not for ever:
6
But they were troubled for a small season, that they might be admonished, having a
sign of salvation, to put them in remembrance of the commandment of your law.
7
For he who turned himself toward it was not saved by the thing that he saw, but by
you, that art the Saviour of all.
8
And in this you made your enemies confess, that it is you who deliver from all evil:
9
For them the bitings of grasshoppers and flies killed, neither was there found any
remedy for their life: for they were worthy to be punished by such.
10
But your sons not the very teeth of venomous dragons overcame: for your mercy was
ever by them, and healed them.
11
For they were pricked, that they should remember your words; and were quickly saved,
that not falling into deep forgetfulness, they might be continually mindful of your
goodness.
12
For it was neither herb, nor mollifying plaister, that restored them to health: but
your word, O Lord, which heals all things.
13
For you have power of life and death: you lead to the gates of hell, and bring up
again.
14
A man indeed kills through his malice: and the spirit, when it is gone forth, returns
not; neither the soul received up comes again.
15
But it is not possible to escape your hand.
16
For the ungodly, that denied to know you, were scourged by the strength of your arm:
with strange rains, hails, and showers, were they persecuted, that they could not
avoid, and through fire were they consumed.
17
For, which is most to be wondered at, the fire had more force in the water, that quenches
all things: for the world fights for the righteous.
18
For sometime the flame was mitigated, that it might not burn up the beasts that were
sent against the ungodly; but themselves might see and perceive that they were persecuted
with the judgement of God.
19
And at another time it burns even in the midst of water above the power of fire, that
it might destroy the fruits of an unjust land.
20
Instead whereof you feddest your own people with angels’ food, and did send them from
heaven bread prepared without their labour, able to content every man’s delight, and
agreeing to every taste.
21
For your sustenance declared your sweetness to your children, and serving to the appetite
of the eater, tempered itself to every man’s liking.
22
But snow and ice endured the fire, and melted not, that they might know that fire
burning in the hail, and sparkling in the rain, did destroy the fruits of the enemies.
23
But this again did even forget his own strength, that the righteous might be nourished.
24
For the creature that serves you, who art the Maker increases his strength against
the unrighteous for their punishment, and abates his strength for the benefit of such
as put their trust in you.
25
Therefore even then was it altered into all fashions, and was obedient to your grace,
that nourishes all things, according to the desire of them that had need:
26
That your children, O Lord, whom you love, might know, that it is not the growing
of fruits that nourishes man: but that it is your word, which preserves them that
put their trust in you.
27
For that which was not destroyed of the fire, being warmed with a little sunbeam,
soon melted away:
28
That it might be known, that we must prevent the sun to give you thanks, and at the
dayspring pray to you.
29
For the hope of the unthankful shall melt away as the winter’s hoar frost, and shall
run away as unprofitable water.