Wisdom 14:16

16 Thus in the process of time an ungodly custom grown strong was kept as a law, and graven images were worshiped by the commandments of kings

Wisdom 14:16 In-Context

14 For by the vainglory of men they entered into the world, and therefore shall they come shortly to an end.

15 For a father, afflicted with untimely mourning, when he hath made an image of his child soon taken away, now honored him as a god who was then a dead man, and delivered to those who were under him ceremonies and sacrifices.

16 Thus in the process of time an ungodly custom grown strong was kept as a law, and graven images were worshiped by the commandments of kings

17 whom men could not honor in presence, because they dwelt far off. They took the counterfeit of his visage from far, and made an express image of a king whom they honored, to the end that by this their forwardness they might flatter him that was absent as if he were present.

18 Also, the singular diligence of the artificer helped to set forward the ignorant to more superstition.