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.
68
Even wild animals are better off than these idols; animals can at least run from danger to protect themselves.
69
So it is absolutely clear that they are not gods - do not worship them.
70
These gods of theirs, made of wood and covered with silver and gold, are about as helpful as a scarecrow in a cucumber patch; they are no protection at all.