Wisdom of Solomon 16:5-14

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

⁵ For when the terrible rage of wild animals came upon your people^[a]
and they were being destroyed by the bites of writhing serpents,
your wrath did not continue to the end;^(A)
6 they were troubled for a little while as a warning
and received a symbol of deliverance to remind them of your law’s command.^(B)

⁷ For the one who turned toward it was saved not by the thing that was beheld
but by you, the Savior of all.^(C)
8 And by this also you convinced our enemies
that it is you who deliver from every evil.
⁹ For they were killed by the bites of locusts and flies,
and no healing was found for them
because they deserved to be punished by such things.^(D)
10 But your children were not conquered even by the fangs of venomous serpents,
for your mercy came to their help and healed them.^(E)
11 To remind them of your oracles they were bitten
and then were quickly delivered,
so that they would not fall into deep forgetfulness
and become unresponsive^[b] to your kindness.^(F)
12 For neither herb nor poultice cured them,
but it was your word, O Lord, that heals all people.^(G)
13 For you have power over life and death;
you lead mortals down to the gates of Hades and back again.^(H)
14 A person in wickedness kills another
but cannot bring back the departed spirit
or set free the imprisoned soul.^(I)