1
Again, one preparing to sail and about to voyage over raging waves calls upon a piece of wood more fragile than the ship which carries him.
2
For it was desire for gain that planned that vessel, and wisdom was the craftsman who built it;
3
but it is thy providence, O Father, that steers its course, because thou hast given it a path in the sea, and a safe way through the waves,
4
showing that thou canst save from every danger, so that even if a man lacks skill, he may put to sea.
5
It is thy will that works of thy wisdom should not be without effect; therefore men 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 thy 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 he who made it; because he did the work, and the perishable thing was named a god.
9
For equally hateful to God are the ungodly man and his ungodliness,