51
All nations and kings will realize that idols are nothing more than the work of human hands. They do not have the power of a god,
52
and anyone should know that they are not really gods.
53
These gods can never make anyone a king or bring rain.
54
They can't make decisions about their own affairs or give justice to someone who has been wronged; they can do absolutely nothing. They are as useless as crows flying around in the air.
55
When a temple catches on fire, the priests run away to save themselves, while the gods made of wood and covered with silver and gold are left to burn like wooden beams.
56
They can't fight kings or go to war against enemies. How can anyone believe that they are gods?
57
These gods of wood, covered with silver and gold, cannot protect themselves from thieves and robbers
58
who take off the silver and gold and the gods' clothing and walk away with all of it. The gods can do nothing to stop them.
59
Anything from a courageous king to a useful piece of pottery is better than a false god. Even a door is better than a false god; a door at least protects the things in the house. Even a wooden pillar in a palace is better than a false god.
60
God provided the sun, the moon, and the stars to give light, and they obey him.
61
The same is true of lightning and wind. The lightning can be seen far and wide, and the wind blows everywhere.