⁵ Their idols^[a] are like scarecrows in a cucumber field,
    and ^(A)they cannot speak;
^(B)they have to be carried,
    for they cannot walk.
Do not be afraid of them,
    ^(C)for they cannot do evil,
    neither is it in them to do good.”

^7 (A)They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it,
    they set it in its place, and it stands there;
    ^(B)it cannot move from its place.
If one cries to it, it does not answer
    or save him from his trouble.

^23 (A)Tell us what is to come hereafter,
    that we may know that you are gods;
^(B)do good, or do harm,
    that we may be dismayed and terrified.^[a]
24 Behold, ^(C)you are nothing,
    and your work is less than nothing;
    an abomination is he who chooses you.

⁵ They have mouths, ^(A)but do not speak;
    eyes, but do not see.
⁶ They have ears, but do not hear;
    noses, but do not smell.
⁷ They have hands, but do not feel;
    feet, but do not walk;
    and they do not make a sound in their throat.
^8 (B)Those who make them become like them;
    so do all who trust in them.

^19 (A)Woe to him ^(B)who says to a wooden thing, Awake;
    to a silent stone, Arise!
Can this teach?
Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,
    and ^(C)there is no breath at all in it.

46 ^(A)Bel bows down; Nebo stoops;
    their idols are on beasts and livestock;
these things you carry are borne
    as burdens on weary beasts.