“By ·my own power [^Lthe strength of my hand] I have done these things;
    by my wisdom ·and careful planning [^Lbecause I have understanding] I have ·defeated many [^Lremoved the boundaries/borders of] nations.
I have ·taken their wealth [plundered their treasures],
    and, like a ·mighty one [or bull], I have ·taken their people [or defeated their kings; ^Lremoved the sitting ones; ^Creferring to those inhabiting the land or to kings on thrones].
¹⁴ ·I have taken [^LMy hand has found] the riches of all these people,
    like a person reaching into a bird’s nest.
I have ·taken [gathered] these nations,
    like a person ·taking [^Lgathering abandoned] eggs.
Not one ·raised a hand [^Lflapped a wing]
    or opened its mouth to ·stop me [^Lchirp].”

¹⁵ ·An ax is not better than [^LDoes an ax exalt itself above…?] the person who swings it.
    ·A saw is not better than […or a saw over…?] the one who uses it.
A ·stick [rod; or scepter] cannot control the person who picks it up.
    A club cannot pick up ·the person [^Lone who is not wood; or as if it were not made of wood]!