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.
42
And the women, with cords around them, sit along the passageways, burning bran for incense.
43
When one of them is led off by one of the passers-by and is taken to bed by him, she derides the woman next to her, because she was not as attractive as herself and her cord was not broken.
44
Whatever is done for these idols is false. Why then must anyone think that they are gods, or call them gods?
45
They are made by carpenters and goldsmiths; they can be nothing but what the artisans wish them to be.