18. The priests fortify the temples with doors and bars and bolts, so that thieves cannot break in. The gods are locked up as securely as a prisoner about to be executed for a crime against the king.
19. The priests light lamps for the gods, far more than they need for their own use, but the idols can't see even one of them.
20. Their insides are eaten away by termites, just like the wooden beams of the temple, and their clothing is destroyed, but they don't even know it.
21. Their faces are blackened by the smoke in the temple.
22. Bats, swallows, and other birds perch on them, and even cats sit on them.
23. All this proves that they are not gods — do not worship them.
24. These idols have been plated with gold to make them beautiful, but they do not shine unless someone polishes them. When they were being poured into moulds, they felt nothing.
25. It makes no difference how high a price is paid for them; they are still unable to breathe.