23 Wherefore thou hast tormented also those wicked men who spent their lives in foolishness with their own abominations,

24 For they have gone very far in the ways of error, being deceived like foolish children, and considering for gods those of the beasts which were also despised by their enemies.

25 Wherefore, as foolish children, thou hast sent them chastisement also.

26 But not being understood by the accusatory ridicule, they experienced the well-deserved judgment of God.

27 For what they themselves endured with vexation, seeing the same thing in those whom they considered gods, and by whom they were punished, they came to know the true God, whom they had formerly denied to know;

28 Wherefore the final condemnation came upon them.

Chapter 13

1 All men are truly vain by nature, who have not had knowledge of God, who have not been able to know the Eternal out of visible perfections, and who have not known the Author when they look at works,

2 And they revered as gods who ruled the world, either fire, or wind, or moving air, or the circle of stars, or stormy waters, or heavenly bodies.

3 If, being captivated by their beauty, they esteemed them gods, they ought to know how much better their Lord is, for He, the Author of beauty, created them.

4 And if they were amazed at their power and effect, they ought to know from them how much more powerful is He who created them;

5 for by the greatness of the beauty of creatures the Author of their existence is comparatively known.

6 Yet they are less to blame, for they err, perhaps seeking God and desiring to find him:

7 for turning to his works, they search, and are convinced by their sight that all things that are seen are beautiful.