150:3.10

The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.

Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.

For sun, moon, and stars, being bright and sent to do their jobs, are obedient. Likewise also the lightning when it flashes is beautiful to see. In the same way, the wind also blows in every country. And when God commands the clouds to go over the whole world, they do as they are told. 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. 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. Knowing therefore that they are no gods, don’t fear them. For they can neither curse nor bless kings. They can’t show signs in the heavens among the nations, or shine as the sun, or give light as the moon. The beasts are better than they; for they can get under a covert, and help themselves. In no way then is it manifest to us that they are gods. Therefore don’t fear them. For as a scarecrow in a garden of cucumbers that keeps nothing, so are their gods of wood overlaid with gold and silver. 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. 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. Better therefore is the just man who has no idols; for he will be far from reproach.