21
when their faces have been blackened by the smoke of the temple.
22
Bats, swallows, and birds alight on their bodies and heads; and so do cats.
23
From this you will know that they are not gods; so do not fear them.
24
As for the gold that they wear for beauty—it will not shine unless someone wipes off the tarnish; for even when they were being cast, they did not feel it.
25
They are bought without regard to cost, but there is no breath in them.
26
Having no feet, they are carried on the shoulders of others, revealing to humankind their worthlessness. And those who serve them are put to shame
27
because, if any of these gods falls to the ground, they themselves must pick it up. If anyone sets it upright, it cannot move itself; and if it is tipped over, it cannot straighten itself. Gifts are placed before them just as before the dead.
28
The priests sell the sacrifices that are offered to these gods and use the money themselves. Likewise their wives preserve some of the meat with salt, but give none to the poor or helpless.
29
Sacrifices to them may even be touched by women in their periods or at childbirth. Since you know by these things that they are not gods, do not fear them.
30
For how can they be called gods? Women serve meals for gods of silver and gold and wood;
31
and in their temples the priests sit with their clothes torn, their heads and beards shaved, and their heads uncovered.