15. “No matter how much you pray,I won't listen.You are too violent.
16. Wash yourselves clean!I am disgustedwith your filthy deeds.Stop doing wrong
17. and learn to live right.See that justice is done.Defend widows and orphansand help those in need.”
18. I, the Lord, invite youto come and talk it over.Your sins are scarlet red,but they will be whiterthan snow or wool.
19. If you willingly obey me,the best crops in the landwill be yours.
20. But if you turn against me,your enemies will kill you.I, the Lord, have spoken.
21. Jerusalem, you are likean unfaithful wife.Once your judges were honestand your people lived right;now you are a cityfull of murderers.