39
How then is it to be supposed, or to be said, that they are gods?
40
Even the Chaldeans themselves dishonour them: who when they hear of one dumb that cannot speak, they present him to Bel, entreating him, that he may speak,
41
As though they could be sensible that have no motion themselves: and they, when they shall perceive this, will leave them: for their gods themselves have no sense.
42
The women also with cords about them, sit in the ways, burning olive stones.
43
And when any one of them, drawn away by some passenger, lieth with him, she upbraideth her neighbour, that she was not thought as worthy as herself, nor her cord broken.
44
But all things that are done about them, are false: how is it then to be thought, or to be said, that they are gods?
45
And they are made by workmen, and by goldsmiths. They shall be nothing else but what the priests will have them to be.
46
For the artificers themselves that make them, are of no long continuance. Can those things then that are made by them be gods?
47
But they have left false things and reproach to them that come after.
48
For when war cometh upon them, or evils, the priests consult with themselves where they may hide themselves with them.
49
How then can they be thought to be gods, that can neither deliver themselves from war, nor save themselves from evils?