Wisdom 16:22-29

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 their enemies.
23 But this again did even forget his own strength, that the righteous might be nourished.
24 For the creation that serveth Thee who art the Maker, increaseth his strength against the unrighteous for their punishment, and abateth his strength for the benefit of such as put their trust in Thee.
25 Therefore even then was it altered into all fashions, and was obedient to Thy grace, that nourisheth all things, according to the desire of them that had need,
26 that Thy children, O Lord, whom Thou lovest, might know that it is not the growing of fruits that nourisheth man, but that it is Thy word, which preserveth them that put their trust in Thee.
27 For that which was not destroyed by the fire, being warmed with a little sunbeam, soon melted away,
28 that it might be known that we must precede the sun to give Thee thanks, and at the dayspring pray unto Thee.
29 For the hope of the unfaithful shall melt away as the winter's hoarfrost, and shall run away as unprofitable water.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.