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Friday, March 3, 2023

The Wisdom of Solomon 16:5-14


[5] For when the terrible rage of wild beasts came upon your people
and they were being destroyed by the bites
of writhing serpents,
your wrath did not continue to the end;
[6] they were troubled for a little while as a warning,
and received a token of deliverance to remind
them of your law's command.
[7] For he who turned toward it was saved, not by what he saw,
but by you, the Savior of all.
[8] And by this also you did convince our enemies
that it is you who delivers 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;
[10] but your sons were not conquered even by the
teeth of venomous serpents,
for your mercy came to their help and healed them.
[11] To remind them of your oracles they were bitten,
and then were quickly delivered,
lest they should fall into deep forgetfulness
and become unresponsive to your kindness.
[12] For neither herb nor poultice cured them,
but it was your word, O Lord, which heals all men.
[13] For you have power over life and death;
you do lead men down to the gates of Hades and back again.
[14] A man in his wickedness kills another,
but he cannot bring back the departed spirit,
nor set free the imprisoned soul. 



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