8 However, this is no excuse,
9 because if they possessed the ability to examine the universe, why did it take them so long to find you, the Lord of the universe?
10 Some people are miserable because they have set their hopes either on lifeless idols crafted in the shape of animals from gold and silver, or else on some old pieces of worthless stone.
11 A woodcutter may saw down a small tree, then peel off the bark and skillfully make something worthwhile from the wood.
12 Some of the leftover wood may be used for a cooking fire,
13 while a crooked and knotty piece may be carefully carved into the shape of a human
14 or of some useless animal, before being painted red to cover all its flaws.