Wisdom 17:9

9 Even when there was nothing around to frighten them, they were scared by the simple sounds of animals' movements and hissing serpents.

Wisdom 17:9 In-Context

7 They realized that their mocking attempts at magic were too weak and that they had no real power. It became clear to them that they had given themselves far too much credit for understanding what was happening.

8 Those who had thought they could dispel fears and free sick beings from terror became sick themselves with a laughable case of nerves.

9 Even when there was nothing around to frighten them, they were scared by the simple sounds of animals' movements and hissing serpents.

10 Trembling, they were dying with fright, shutting their eyes even against the empty air, as if they could thus avoid what was scaring them.

11 Wickedness is cowardly, condemned by its own witness. Distressed by conscience, the wicked person thinks everything is worse than it is.