23. He takes away the power of rulers. He makes the world’s leaders completely worthless.
24. They are like plants that are planted in the ground. But before they can send their roots into the ground, God blows on the “plants”; they become dead and dry, and the wind blows them away like straw.
25. The Holy One says, “Can you compare me to anyone? No one is equal to me.”
26. Look up to the skies. Who created all those stars? Who created all those “armies” in the sky? Who knows every star by name? He is very strong and powerful, so not one of these stars is lost.
27. People of Jacob, this is true. Israel, you should believe it. So why do you say, “The Lord cannot see the way I live; he will not find me and punish me”?
28. Surely you know the truth. Surely you have heard. The Lord is the God who lives forever! He created all the faraway places on earth. He does not get tired and weary. You cannot learn all he knows.
29. He helps tired people be strong. He gives power to those without it.
30. Young men get tired and need to rest. Even young boys stumble and fall.