65
You know that they are not gods - do not worship them.
66
These gods have no power over kings; they cannot pronounce curses on them or grant them blessings.
67
They cannot produce for the nations any signs in the sky; they cannot shine like the sun or the moon.
68
Even wild animals are better off than these idols; animals can at least run from danger to protect themselves.
69
So it is absolutely clear that they are not gods - do not worship them.
70
These gods of theirs, made of wood and covered with silver and gold, are about as helpful as a scarecrow in a cucumber patch; they are no protection at all.
71
They do as much good as a thorn bush in a garden; instead of keeping birds away, they provide a perch for them. These gods are like a dead body thrown out into the darkness.
72
The purple linen [a] robes they wear rot away, so we know that they are not gods. Finally they will be eaten by termites, and then no one anywhere will have any use for them.
73
The righteous person has an advantage over others; he does not own any idols, and they can never make a fool of him.