2 The Lord proclaims:Don’t follow the ways of the nationsor be troubled by signs in the sky,even though the nations are troubled by them.
3 The rituals of the nations are hollow:a tree from the forest is chopped downand shaped by the craftsman’s tools.
4 It’s overlaid with silver and gold,and fastened securely with hammer and nailsso it won’t fall over.
5 They are no different than a scarecrowin a cucumber patch:they can’t speak;they must be carriedbecause they can’t walk.Don’t be afraid of them,because they can’t do harm or good.
6 Lord, no one is like you!You are great,and great is your mighty name.
7 Who wouldn’t fear you,king of the nations?That is your due;among all the wise of the nationsand in all their countries,there is no one like you!
8 But they are both foolish and silly;they offer nothingbecause they are mere wood.