4. Then you will know that I sent you this warning so that my promise to Levi will continue,” says the Lord of Armies.
5. “I promised Levi life and peace. I gave them to him so that he would respect me. He respected me and stood in awe of my name.
6. The teaching that came from his mouth was true. Nothing unjust was found on his lips. He lived with me in peace and honesty and turned many people away from sin.
7. “A priest’s lips should preserve knowledge. Then, because he is the messenger for the Lord of Armies, people will seek instruction from his mouth.
8. “But you have turned from the ⌊correct⌋ path and caused many to stumble over my teachings. You have corrupted the promise made to Levi,” says the Lord of Armies.
9. “So I have made you disgusting, and I have humiliated you in front of all the people, because you have not followed my ways. You have been unfair when ⌊applying⌋ my teachings.”