11. Though they are wrapped in purple clothing, they are not safe from rust and corrosion.
12. Their faces are wiped clean of the cloud of dust which is thick upon them.
13. Each has a scepter, like the human ruler of a district, but none can do away with those that offend against it.
14. Each has in its right hand an ax or dagger, but it cannot save itself from war or pillage. Thus it is known they are not gods; do not fear them.
15. As useless as a broken pot
16. are their gods, set up in their temples, their eyes full of dust from the feet of those who enter.
17. Their courtyards are walled in like those of someone brought to execution for a crime against the king; the priests reinforce their temples with gates and bars and bolts, so they will not be carried off by robbers.
18. They light more lamps for them than for themselves, yet not one of these can they see.
19. They are like any timber in the temple; their hearts, it is said, are eaten away. Though crawling creatures from the ground consume them and their garments, they do not feel it.
20. Their faces become sooty from the smoke in the temple.
21. Bats and swallows alight on their bodies and heads—any bird, and cats as well.
22. Know, therefore, that they are not gods; do not fear them.
23. Gold adorns them, but unless someone wipes away the corrosion, they do not shine; they felt nothing when they were molded.
24. They are bought at whatever price, but there is no spirit in them.
25. Since they have no feet, they are carried shoulder high, displaying to all how worthless they are; even those who worship them are put to shame
26. because, if they fall to the ground, the worshipers must pick them up. They neither move of themselves if one sets them upright, nor come upright if they are tipped over; offerings are set out for them as for the dead.
27. Their priests sell their sacrifices for their own advantage. Likewise their wives cure some of the meat, but they do not share it with the poor and the weak;