23
As for the gold they wear beautifully, the idols won't shine unless someone else wipes away the rust. They didn't have any feeling when they were made.
24
They are purchased at great cost, but there is no breath in them.
25
Since they have no feet, others carry them on their shoulders, demonstrating their worthlessness to people. Their servants are ashamed, since the idols fall to the ground unless they steady them and hold them up.
26
If anyone stands an idol up, it can't move by itself. If one is tilted over, it can't straighten itself up. Yet gifts are placed in front of them—just as people place gifts in front of the dead!
27
Their priests misuse the sacrifices by selling them and using the money for themselves. Their wives also preserve some of the meat, but they don't share it with the poor or disabled. Menstruating women and others who have just given birth have handled their sacrifices.