² O mortal, how does the wood of the vine surpass all other wood,
    the vine branch that is among the trees of the forest?^(A)
3 Is wood taken from it to make anything?
    Does one take a peg from it on which to hang any object?
⁴ It is put in the fire for fuel;
    when the fire has consumed both ends of it
    and the middle of it is charred,
    is it useful for anything?^(B)
5 When it was whole it was used for nothing;
    how much less—when the fire has consumed it,
    and it is charred—
    can it ever be used for anything!

¹¹ When Ephraim multiplied altars to expiate sin,
    they became to him altars for sinning.