“Don’t learn the way of the nations,
    and don’t be terrified by signs in the heavens,
    though the nations are terrified of them.
³ For the practices^[a] of the people are worthless.
    Indeed, a tree is cut down from the forest;
        it’s the work of the hands of a craftsman^[b] with an ax.
⁴ They decorate it with silver and gold.
    They secure it with nails and hammers
        so it won’t totter.
⁵ Their idols^[c] are like scarecrows in a cucumber field.
    They can’t speak!
They must always be carried
    because they can’t walk!
Don’t be afraid of them
    because they can do no harm,
        nor can they do any good.”