1. Shout the message!Don't hold back.Say to my people Israel:You've sinned! You've turnedagainst the Lord.
2. Day after day, you worship himand seem eager to learnhis teachings.You act like a nationthat wants to do rightby obeying his laws.You ask him about justice,and say you enjoyworshipping the Lord.
3. You wonder why the Lordpays no attentionwhen you go without eatingand act humble.But on those same daysthat you give up eating,you think only of yourselvesand abuse your workers.
4. You even get angryand ready to fight.No wonder God won't listento your prayers!
5. Do you think the Lordwants you to give up eatingand to act as humbleas a bent over bush?Or to dress in sackclothand sit in ashes?Is this really what he wantson a day of worship?
6. I'll tell youwhat it really meansto worship the Lord.Remove the chains of prisonerswho are chained unjustly.Free those who are abused!
7. Share your food with everyonewho is hungry;share your homewith the poor and homeless.Give clothes to those in need;don't turn away your relatives.
8. Then your light will shinelike the dawning sun, and youwill quickly be healed.Your honesty will protect youas you advance,and the glory of the Lordwill defend you from behind.
9. When you beg the Lord for help,he will answer, “Here I am!”Don't ill-treat othersor falsely accuse themor say something cruel.