48. For when they are overcome by battle or evil, the priests consider among themselves where they may hide themselves with them.
49. Therefore, why would they be perceived to be gods, who can neither free themselves from war, nor rescue themselves from evils?
50. For, in as much as they are only wood, inlaid with gold and silver, so let it be known henceforth, by all nations and kings, that they are false; because it has been revealed that they are not gods, but the work of men's hands, and there is no work of God in them.
51. For this reason, then, it has been accepted that they are not gods, but are works of the hands of men, and no work of God is in them.
52. They have not raised up a king in the region, nor will they give rain to men.
53. They will not discern a judgment for anyone, nor will they free a region from injury, because they can do nothing, like crows in the middle of heaven and earth.
54. And, indeed, when there happens to be a fire in the house of these gods of wood, silver, and gold, the priests will certainly run away and save themselves, but these will truly be burned up like logs in the midst of it.
55. Yet they cannot withstand a king and war. In what way, then, is it to be considered or accepted that they are gods?
56. These gods of wood and stone, inlaid with gold and silver, can free themselves neither from thieves nor from robbers; whoever is stronger than they are,
57. will take up these things, the gold and the silver, and the garments which cover them, and will get away; neither will they be able to help themselves.
58. Therefore, it is better to be a king displaying his power, or a useful vessel in a house, about which he who owns it will boast, or a door in the house, which keeps safe what is inside, than to be these gods of falsehood.
59. For the sun, and the moon, and the constellations, though they are brilliant and have been sent forth to be useful, are obedient.
60. Similarly, the lightning, when it appears and is evident, and, in like manner, the wind blowing in every region,
61. and the clouds, when God orders them to make their rounds over the whole world, each carries out what was commanded.
62. Furthermore, the fire, having been sent from above so that it may consume mountains and woods, does what it has been instructed to do. Yet these are not similar, neither in splendor, nor in power, to any one of them.