27
And those who serve them are ashamed because through them these gods are made to stand, lest they fall to the ground. If any one sets one of them upright, it cannot move itself; and if it is tipped over, it cannot straighten itself; but gifts are placed before them just as before the dead.
28
The priests sell the sacrifices that are offered to these gods and use the money; and likewise their wives preserve some with salt, but give none to the poor or helpless.
29
Sacrifices to them may be touched by women in menstruation or at childbirth. Since you know by these things that they are not gods, do not fear them.
30
For why should they be called gods? Women serve meals for gods of silver and gold and wood;
31
and in their temples the priests sit with their clothes rent, their heads and beards shaved, and their heads uncovered.
32
They howl and shout before their gods as some do at a funeral feast for a man who has died.
33
The priests take some of the clothing of their gods to clothe their wives and children.
34
Whether one does evil to them or good, they will not be able to repay it. They cannot set up a king or depose one.
35
Likewise they are not able to give either wealth or money; if one makes a vow to them and does not keep it, they will not require it.
36
They cannot save a man from death or rescue the weak from the strong.
37
They cannot restore sight to a blind man; they cannot rescue a man who is in distress.