1
For vain by nature were all Adam who were ignorant of Elohim, and from the good things that are seen they were unable to know Him who exists, nor by considering the works did they recognize the Craftsman.
2
But fire, or wind, or swift air, or the circle of the stars, or violent water, or the lights of the heavens, they considered to be mighty ones ruling the world.
3
If, delighted by their beauty, they took these things to be mighty ones, let them know how much greater is their Master, for the One who created beauty made them.
4
And if they were amazed at their power and activity, let them understand from these how much more powerful is He who formed them.
5
For from the greatness and beauty of created things, their Maker is seen by analogy.
6
Yet concerning these there is less blame, for perhaps they wander while seeking Elohim and desiring to find Him.
7
For living among His works, they search, and they are persuaded by what they see, because the things seen are beautiful.
8
Yet again, even they are not to be excused.
9
For if they were able to know so much that they could search out the world, how did they not more quickly find its Master?
10
But miserable are they, and their hopes are among dead things, who called the works of Adam’s hands mighty ones— gold and silver, the craftsmanship of art, and likenesses of animals, or a useless stone worked by an ancient hand.
11
Or perhaps a craftsman, a worker in wood, cuts down a suitable tree, carefully strips away all its bark, and working skillfully, makes from it a useful vessel for the service of life.
12
The scraps from his work he uses to prepare his food, and he is satisfied.
13
But one piece left over among them, useful for nothing, a crooked branch full of knots, he takes and carves carefully in his leisure. By the skill of his understanding he shapes it into the likeness of an Adam,
14
or makes it like some worthless beast, smears it with red pigment, colors its surface red, and covers every blemish upon it.
15
Then he makes a suitable dwelling for it, sets it in a wall, and fastens it with iron,
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taking care that it does not fall, because he knows that it cannot help itself, for it is an image and has need of help.
17
Yet when he prays concerning possessions, or marriage, or sons, he is not ashamed to speak to that which has no being. And for health he calls upon what is weak.
18
For life he petitions what is dead. For help he entreats what is utterly inexperienced. For a journey he asks guidance from what cannot take a step.
19
And for gain, and work, and success of his hands, he asks strength from that whose hands are completely powerless.