54
Neither can they judge their own cause, nor redress a wrong, being unable: for they are as crows between heaven and earth.
55
Whereupon when fire falleth upon the house of gods of wood, or laid over with gold or silver, their priests will flee away, and escape; but they themselves shall be burned asunder like beams.
56
Moreover they cannot withstand any king or enemies: how can it then be thought or said that they be gods?
57
Neither are those gods of wood, and laid over with silver or gold, able to escape either from thieves or robbers.
58
Whose gold, and silver, and garments wherewith they are clothed, they that are strong take, and go away withal: neither are they able to help themselves.
59
Therefore it is better to be a king that sheweth his power, or else a profitable vessel in an house, which the owner shall have use of, than such false gods; or to be a door in an house, to keep such things therein, than such falsegods. or a pillar of wood in a palace, than such false gods.
60
For sun, moon, and stars, being bright and sent to do their offices, are obedient.
61
In like manner the lightning when it breaketh forth is easy to be seen; and after the same manner the wind bloweth in every country.
62
And when God commandeth the clouds to go over the whole world, they do asthey are bidden.
63
And the fire sent from above to consume hills and woods doeth as it is commanded: but these are like unto them neither in shew nor power.
64
Wherefore it is neither to be supposed nor said that they are gods, seeing, they are able neither to judge causes, nor to do good unto men.