31
and in their temples the priests sit with their clothes torn, their heads and beards shaved, and their heads uncovered.
32
They howl and shout before their gods as some do at a funeral banquet.
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 anyone from death or rescue the weak from the strong.
37
They cannot restore sight to the blind; they cannot rescue one who is in distress.
38
They cannot take pity on a widow or do good to an orphan.
39
These things that are made of wood and overlaid with gold and silver are like stones from the mountain, and those who serve them will be put to shame.
40
Why then must anyone think that they are gods, or call them gods? Besides, even the Chaldeans themselves dishonor them; for when they see someone who cannot speak, they bring Bel and pray that the mute may speak, as though Bel were able to understand!
41
Yet they themselves cannot perceive this and abandon them, for they have no sense.