³ For the customs of the peoples are ^[a]futile;
For ^(A)one cuts a tree from the forest,
The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax.
⁴ They decorate it with silver and gold;
They ^(B)fasten it with nails and hammers
So that it will not topple.
⁵ They are upright, like a palm tree,
And ^(C)they cannot speak;
They must be ^(D)carried,
Because they cannot go by themselves.
Do not be afraid of them,
For ^(E)they cannot do evil,
Nor can they do any good.”

⁸ But they are altogether ^(A)dull-hearted and foolish;
A wooden idol is a ^[a]worthless doctrine.

¹⁰ But the Lord is the true God;
He is ^(A)the living God and the ^(B)everlasting King.
At His wrath the earth will tremble,
And the nations will not be able to endure His indignation.