They determine no causes, nor deliver countries from oppression: because they can do nothing, and are as daws between heaven and earth. 54For when fire shall fall upon the house of these gods of wood, and of silver, and of gold, their priests indeed will flee away, and be saved: but they themselves shall be burnt in the midst like beams. 55And they cannot withstand a king and war. How then can it be supposed, or admitted, that they are gods? 56Neither are these gods of wood, and of stone, and laid over with gold, and with silver, able to deliver themselves from thieves or robbers: they that are stronger than them, 57Shall take from them the gold, and silver, and the raiment wherewith they are clothed, and shall go their way, neither shall they help themselves. 58Therefore it is better to be a king that sheweth his power: or else a profitable vessel in the house, with which the owner thereof will be well satisfied: or a door in the house, to keep things safe that are therein, than such false gods. 59The sun, and the moon, and the stars being bright, and sent forth for profitable uses, are obedient. 60In like manner the lightning, when it breaketh forth, is easy to be seen: and after the same manner the wind bloweth in every country. 61And the clouds, when God commandeth them to go over the whole world, do that which is commanded them. 62The fire also being sent from above to consume mountains, and woods, doth as it is commanded. But these neither in shew, nor in power, are alike to any one of them. 63Wherefore it is neither to be thought, nor to be said, that they are gods: since they are neither able to judge causes, nor to do any good to men. 64Knowing, therefore, that they are not gods, fear them not. 65For neither can they curse kings, nor bless them.