12. For I know your crimes are manyand your sins innumerable.They oppress the righteous, take a bribe,and deprive the poor of justice at the gates.
13. Therefore, the wise person will keep silent at such a time,for the days are evil.
14. Seek good and not evilso that you may live,and the Lord, the God of Hosts,will be with you,as you have claimed.
15. Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the Lord, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
16. Therefore Yahweh, the God of Hosts, the Lord, says:There will be wailing in all the public squares; they will cry out in anguish in all the streets.The farmer will be called on to mourn, and professional mourners to wail.
17. There will be wailing in all the vineyards, for I will pass among you. The Lord has spoken.
18. Woe to you who long for the Day of the Lord! What will the Day of the Lord be for you?It will be darkness and not light.