Thematic Bible: What is not profitable


Thematic Bible




"What value does the engraved image have, that its maker has engraved it; the molten image, even the teacher of lies, that he who fashions its form trusts in it, to make mute idols? Woe to him who says to the wood, 'Awake.' or to the mute stone, 'Arise.' Shall this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in its midst.


Has a nation changed its gods, which really are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit.



Everyone who makes an engraved image is vain. The things that they delight in will not profit. Their own witnesses do not see, nor know, that they may be disappointed. Who has fashioned a god, or molds an image that is profitable for nothing?

"But draw near here, you sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the prostitute. Against whom do you sport yourselves? Against whom do you make a wide mouth, and stick out your tongue? Aren't you children of disobedience, a seed of falsehood, you who inflame yourselves among the oaks, under every green tree; who kill the children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks? read more.
Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion; they, they are your lot; you have even poured a drink offering to them. You have offered an offering. Shall I be appeased for these things? On a high and lofty mountain you have set your bed; there also you went up to offer sacrifice. Behind the doors and the posts you have set up your memorial: for you have uncovered to someone besides me, and have gone up; you have enlarged your bed, and made you a covenant with them: you loved their bed where you saw it. You went to the king with oil, and increased your perfumes, and sent your ambassadors far off, and debased yourself even to Sheol. You were wearied with the length of your way; yet you did not say, 'It is in vain.' You found a reviving of your strength; therefore you weren't faint. "Of whom have you been afraid and in fear, that you lie, and have not remembered me, nor laid it to your heart? Haven't I held my peace even of long time, and you do not fear me? I will declare your righteousness; and as for your works, they shall not profit you.

"LORD, my strength, and my stronghold, and my refuge in the day of affliction, to you shall the nations come from the ends of the earth, and shall say, 'Our fathers have inherited nothing but lies, vanity and things in which there is no profit. Shall a man make to himself gods, which yet are no gods?'"

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?