THE BOOK OF WISDOM – PART XVIII

THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF IDOLATRY

AND THE TRIUMPH OF THE MERCY OF GOD

I. Verses 12 to 21 of chapter 14 then describes some causes of idolatry as proceeding from natural but somewhat faulty desires to very unnatural ends.

5. Finally, even the image of the ruler becomes an object of worship.

D. Finally, the idolaters convey the "incommunicable Name" upon mere stones.

II. The author then turns to the terrible effects of idolatry, indicating that idolatry has very real worldly consequences and then to the punishment that evil-doers thought they could avoid.

B. Verses 23 to 26 then hand down the indictment against the pagan practices.

III. Contrasting with the punishment that comes to idolaters is the mercy God will show to those who love Him.