11. The Lord takes care of his people like a shepherd.He gathers the people like lambs in his arms.He carries them close to him.He gently leads the mothers of the lambs.
12. Who has measured the oceans in the palm of his hand?Who has used his hand to measure the sky?Who has used a bowl to measure all the dust of the earth?Who has used scales to weigh the mountains and hills?
13. Who has known the mind of the Lord?Who has been able to give the Lord advice?
14. Whom did the Lord ask for help?Who taught him the right way?Who taught the Lord knowledge?Who showed him the way to understanding?
15. The nations are like one small drop in a bucket.They are no more than the dust on his measuring scales.To him the islands are no more than fine dust on his scales.
16. All the trees in Lebanon are not enough for the altar fires.And all the animals in Lebanon are not enough for burnt offerings.
17. Compared to the Lord all the nations are worth nothing.To him they are less than nothing.
18. Can you compare God to anything?Can you compare him to an image of anything?
19. An idol is formed by a man.And another man covers it with gold.And he makes silver chains for it.
20. A poor man cannot buy those expensive statues.So he finds a tree that will not rot.And he finds a skilled workmanto make it into an idol that will not fall over.
21. Surely you know. Surely you have heard.Surely in the beginning someone told you.Surely you understand how the earth was created.
22. God sits on his throne above the circle of the earth.And compared to him, people are like grasshoppers.He stretches out the skies like a piece of cloth.He spreads them out like a tent to sit under.