Wisdom of Solomon 15:10
King James VersionSource notes
“His heart is ashes, his hope is more vile than earth, and his life of less value than clay:”
Context
7For the potter, tempering soft earth, fashioneth every vessel with much labour for our service: yea, of the same clay he maketh both the vessels that serve for clean uses, and likewise also all such as serve to the contrary: but what is the use of either sort, the potter himself is the judge.
8And employing his labours lewdly, he maketh a vain god of the same clay, even he which a little before was made of earth himself, and within a little while after returneth to the same, out when his life which was lent him shall be demanded.
9Notwithstanding his care is, not that he shall have much labour, nor that his life is short: but striveth to excel goldsmiths and silversmiths, and endeavoureth to do like the workers in brass, and counteth it his glory to make counterfeit things.
10His heart is ashes, his hope is more vile than earth, and his life of less value than clay:
11Forasmuch as he knew not his Maker, and him that inspired into him an active soul, and breathed in a living spirit.
12But they counted our life a pastime, and our time here a market for gain: for, say they, we must be getting every way, though it be by evil means.
13For this man, that of earthly matter maketh brittle vessels and graven images, knoweth himself to offend above all others.