1. I wish that my eyeswere fountains of tears,so I could cry day and nightfor my peoplewho were killed.
2. I wish I could go into the desertand find a hiding placefrom all who are treacherousand unfaithful to God.
3. The Lord replied:Lies come from the mouthsof my people,like arrows from a bow.With each dishonest deedtheir power increases,and not one of them will admitthat I am God.
4. Jeremiah, all your friendsand relativestell lies about you,so don't trust them.
5. They wear themselves out,always looking for a new wayto cheat their friends.
6. Everyone takes advantageof everyone else,and no one will admitthat I am God.
7. And so I will purifythe hearts of my peoplejust as gold is purifiedin a furnace.I have no other choice.
8. They say they want peace,but this lie is deadly,like an arrow that strikeswhen you least expect it.
9. Give me one good reasonnot to punish themas they deserve.I, the Lord All-Powerful,have spoken.
10. I weep for the pasture landin the hill country.It's so barren and scorchedthat no one travels there.No cattle can be found there,and birds and wild animalshave all disappeared.
11. I heard the Lord reply,“When I have finished,Jerusalem and the towns of Judahwill be piles of ruinswhere only jackals live.”
12. I said to the Lord, “None of us can understand why the land has become like an uncrossable desert. Won't you explain why?”