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.
62
When God commands clouds to spread out over the whole world, they obey.
63
When God sends down fire from heaven to burn up mountains and forests, it does what it is told. Idols cannot do these things - they can't even do a good imitation.
64
Why should they be called gods, when they are not able to help us or harm us in any way?
65
You know that they are not gods - do not worship them.
66
These gods have no power over kings; they cannot pronounce curses on them or grant them blessings.
67
They cannot produce for the nations any signs in the sky; they cannot shine like the sun or the moon.