17. The nations are nothing at all to him.
18. To whom can God be compared?How can you describe what he is like?
19. He is not like an idol that workmen make,that metalworkers cover with goldand set in a base of silver.
20. The man who cannot afford silver or goldchooses wood that will not rot.He finds a skilful craftsmanto make an image that won't fall down.
21. Do you not know?Were you not told long ago?Have you not heard how the world began?
22. It was made by the one who sits on his throneabove the earth and beyond the sky;the people below look as tiny as ants.He stretched out the sky like a curtain,like a tent in which to live.
23. He brings down powerful rulersand reduces them to nothing.
24. They are like young plants,just set out and barely rooted.When the Lord sends a wind,they dry up and blow away like straw.
25. To whom can the holy God be compared?Is there anyone else like him?
26. Look up at the sky!Who created the stars you see?The one who leads them out like an army,he knows how many there areand calls each one by name!His power is so great —not one of them is ever missing!
27. Israel, why then do you complainthat the Lord doesn't know your troublesor care if you suffer injustice?
28. Don't you know? Haven't you heard?The Lord is the everlasting God;he created all the world.He never grows tired or weary.No one understands his thoughts.
29. He strengthens those who are weak and tired.
30. Even those who are young grow weak;young people can fall exhausted.
31. But those who trust in the Lord for helpwill find their strength renewed.They will rise on wings like eagles;they will run and not get weary;they will walk and not grow weak.