Baruch 6:66-73

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

⁶⁶ They can neither curse nor bless kings; ⁶⁷ they cannot show signs in the heavens for the nations, or shine like the sun or give light like the moon. ⁶⁸ The wild animals are better than they are, for they can flee to shelter and help themselves. ⁶⁹ So we have no evidence whatever that they are gods; therefore do not fear them.

⁷⁰ Like a scarecrow in a cucumber bed, which guards nothing, so are their gods of wood, overlaid with gold and silver. ⁷¹ In the same way, their gods of wood, overlaid with gold and silver, are like a thornbush in a garden on which every bird perches; or like a corpse thrown out in the darkness. ⁷² From the purple and linen^[a] that rot upon them you will know that they are not gods; and they will finally be consumed themselves, and be a reproach in the land. ⁷³ Better, therefore, is someone upright who has no idols; such a person will be far above reproach.