40 How could a man then think or say that they are gods, when even the Kasdim (Chaldeans) themselves dishonour them? 41 If they shall see one mute who can’t speak, they bring him and ask him to call upon Bel, as though he were able to understand. 42 Yet they can’t perceive this themselves, and forsake them; for they have no understanding. 43 The women also with cords around them sit in the ways, burning bran for incense; but if any of them, drawn by someone who passes by, lies with him, she reproaches her fellow, that she was not thought as worthy as herself and her cord wasn’t broken. 44 Whatever is done amongst them is false. How could a man then think or say that they are gods? 45 They are fashioned by carpenters and goldsmiths. They can be nothing else than what the workmen make them to be. 46 And they themselves who fashioned them can never continue long. How then should the things that are fashioned by them? 47 Because they have left lies and reproaches to those who come after. 48 Because when there comes any war or deadly disease onto them, the priests consult with themselves, where they may be hidden with them. 49 How then can’t men understand that they are no gods, which can’t save themselves from war or from deadly diseases? 50 Because seeing they are only wood and overlaid with gold and silver, it will be known hereafter that they are false. 51 It will be manifest to all nations and kings that they are no gods, but the works of men’s hands, and that there is no work of God in them. 52 Who then may not know that they are not gods?

53 Because they can’t set up a king in a land or give rain to men. 54 They can’t judge their own cause, or redress a wrong, being unable; for they are like crows between heaven and earth. 55 Because even when fire falls upon the house of gods of wood overlaid with gold or with silver, their priests will flee away, and escape, but they themselves will be burnt apart like beams. 56 Moreover they can’t withstand any king or enemies. How could a man then admit or think that they are gods? 57 Those gods of wood overlaid with silver or with gold aren’t able to escape from thieves or robbers. 58 The gold, silver, and garments with which they are clothed—those who are strong will take from them, and go away with them. They won’t be able to help themselves. 59 Therefore it is better to be a king who shows his manhood, or else a vessel in a house profitable for whatever the owner needs, than such false gods—or even a door in a house, to keep the things safe that are in it, than such false gods; or better to be a pillar of wood in a palace than such false gods.

60 Because sun, moon, and stars, being bright and sent to do their jobs, are obedient. 61 Likewise also the lightning when it flashes is beautiful to see. In the same way, the wind also blows in every country. 62 And when God commands the clouds to go over the whole world, they do as they are told. 63 And the fire sent from above to consume mountains and woods does as it is commanded; but these are to be compared to them neither in show nor power. 64 Therefore a man shouldn’t think or say that they are gods, seeing they aren’t able to judge causes or to do good to men. 65 Knowing therefore that they are no gods, don’t fear them. 66 Because they can neither curse nor bless kings. 67 They can’t show signs in the heavens amongst the nations, or shine as the sun, or give light as the moon. 68 The wild animals are better than they; for they can get under a covert, and help themselves. 69 In no way then is it manifest to us that they are gods. Therefore don’t fear them. 70 Because as a scarecrow in a garden of cucumbers that keeps nothing, so are their gods of wood overlaid with gold and silver. 71 Likewise also their gods of wood overlaid with gold and with silver, are like a white thorn in an orchard that every bird sits upon. They are also like a dead body that is thrown out into the dark. 72 You will know them to be no gods by the bright purple that rots upon them. They themselves will be consumed afterwards, and will be a reproach in the country. 73 Better therefore is the just man who has no idols; for he will be far from reproach.