9. He brings destruction on the mighty and their strongholds.
10. You people hate anyone who challenges injustice and speaks the whole truth in court.
11. You have oppressed the poor and robbed them of their grain. And so you will not live in the fine stone houses you build or drink wine from the beautiful vineyards you plant.
12. I know how terrible your sins are and how many crimes you have committed. You persecute good people, take bribes, and prevent the poor from getting justice in the courts.
13. And so, keeping quiet in such evil times is the clever thing to do!
14. Make it your aim to do what is right, not what is evil, so that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty really will be with you, as you claim he is.
15. Hate what is evil, love what is right, and see that justice prevails in the courts. Perhaps the Lord will be merciful to the people of this nation who are still left alive.
16. And so the Sovereign Lord Almighty says, “There will be wailing and cries of sorrow in the city streets. Even farmers will be called to mourn the dead along with those who are paid to mourn.
17. There will be wailing in all the vineyards. All this will take place because I am coming to punish you.” The Lord has spoken.