20
They are just like a beam of the temple, but men say their hearts have melted, when worms from the earth devour them and their robes. They do not notice
21
when their faces have been blackened by the smoke of the temple.
22
Bats, swallows, and birds light 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 which they wear for beauty -- they will not shine unless some one wipes off the rust; for even when they were being cast, they had no feeling.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.