23
The gold also which they have, is for shew, but except a man wipe off the rust, they will not shine: for neither when they were molten, did they feel it.
24
Men buy them at a high price, whereas there is no breath in them.
25
And having not the use of feet they are carried upon shoulders, declaring to men how vile they are. Be they confounded also that worship them.
26
Therefore if they fall to the ground, they rise not up again of themselves, nor if a man set them upright, will they stand by themselves, but their gifts shall be set before them, as to the dead.
27
The things that are sacrificed to them, their priests sell and abuse: in like manner also their wives take part of them, but give nothing of it either to the sick, or to the poor.
28
The childbearing and menstruous women touch their sacrifices: knowing therefore by these things that they are not gods, fear them not.
29
For how can they be called gods? because women set offerings before the gods of silver, and of gold, and of wood:
30
And priests sit in their temples, having their garments rent, and their heads and beards shaven, and nothing upon their heads.
31
And they roar and cry before their gods, as men do at the feast when one is dead.
32
The priests take away their garments, and clothe their wives and their children.
33
And whether it be evil that one doth unto them, or good, they are not able to recompense it: neither can they set up a king nor put him down: