Jeremiah 10:1-9

1Hear the word that the Lord speaks to you, O Israel!

2This is what the Lord says: “Do not act like the other nations, who try to read their future in the stars. Do not be afraid of their predictions, even though other nations are terrified by them.

3Their ways are futile and foolish. They cut down a tree, and a craftsman carves an idol.

4They decorate it with gold and silver and then fasten it securely with hammer and nails so it won’t fall over.

5Their gods are like helpless scarecrows in a cucumber field! They cannot speak, and they need to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of such gods, for they can neither harm you nor do you any good.”

6Lord, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power.

7Who would not fear you, O King of nations? That title belongs to you alone! Among all the wise people of the earth and in all the kingdoms of the world, there is no one like you.

8People who worship idols are stupid and foolish. The things they worship are made of wood!

9They bring beaten sheets of silver from Tarshish and gold from Uphaz, and they give these materials to skillful craftsmen who make their idols. Then they dress these gods in royal blue and purple robes made by expert tailors.