48. For when war or disaster comes upon them, the priests deliberate among themselves where they can hide with them.
49. How then can one not understand that these are not gods, who save themselves neither from war nor from disaster?
50. Beings that are wooden, gilded and silvered, they will later be known for frauds. To all nations and kings it will be clear that they are not gods, but human handiwork; and that God’s work is not in them.
51. Is it not obvious that they are not gods?
52. They set no king over the land, nor do they give rain.
53. They neither vindicate their own rights, nor do they rescue anyone wronged, for they are powerless.
54. They are like crows in midair. For when fire breaks out in the temple of these wooden or gilded or silvered gods, though the priests flee and are safe, they themselves are burned up in the fire like timbers.
55. They cannot resist a king or enemy forces.
56. How then can it be admitted or thought that they are gods?They are safe from neither thieves nor bandits, these wooden and silvered and gilded gods.
57. Anyone who can will strip off the gold and the silver, and go away with the clothing that was on them; they cannot help themselves.
58. How much better to be a king displaying his valor, or a handy tool in a house, the joy of its owner, than these false gods; better the door of a house, protecting whatever is within, than these false gods; better a wooden post in a palace, than these false gods!
59. The sun and moon and stars are bright, obedient in the task for which they are sent.
60. Likewise the lightning, when it flashes, is a great sight; and the one wind blows over every land.
61. The clouds, too, when commanded by God to proceed across the whole world, fulfill the command;
62. and fire, sent from on high to burn up the mountains and the forests, carries out its command. But these false gods are not their equal, whether in appearance or in power.
63. So it is unthinkable, and cannot be claimed that they are gods. They can neither execute judgment, nor benefit anyone.
64. Know, therefore, that they are not gods; do not fear them.