Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

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This is what the Lord says:

“Do not learn the ways of the nations(A)
    or be terrified by signs(B) in the heavens,
    though the nations are terrified by them.
For the practices of the peoples are worthless;
    they cut a tree out of the forest,
    and a craftsman(C) shapes it with his chisel.(D)
They adorn it with silver(E) and gold;
    they fasten it with hammer and nails
    so it will not totter.(F)
Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,
    their idols cannot speak;(G)
they must be carried
    because they cannot walk.(H)
Do not fear them;
    they can do no harm(I)
    nor can they do any good.”(J)

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