13. When you cry for help, let those idols of yours save you! A puff of wind will carry them off! But those who trust in me will live in the land and will worship me in my Temple.”
14. The Lord says, “Let my people return to me. Remove every obstacle from their path! Build the road, and make it ready!
15. “I am the high and holy God, who lives for ever. I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are humble and repentant, so that I can restore their confidence and hope.
16. I gave my people life, and I will not continue to accuse them or be angry with them for ever.
17. I was angry with them because of their sin and greed, and so I punished them and abandoned them. But they were stubborn and kept on going their own way.
18. “I have seen how they acted, but I will heal them. I will lead them and help them, and I will comfort those who mourn.
19. I offer peace to all, both near and far! I will heal my people.
20. But evil people are like the restless sea, whose waves never stop rolling in, bringing filth and muck.
21. There is no safety for sinners,” says the Lord.