11. “Sexual sins, old wine and new winetake away my people’s ability to understand.
12. My people ask wooden idols for advice.They ask those sticks of wood to advise them!Like prostitutes, they have chased after other gods.They have left their own God.
13. They make sacrifices on the tops of the mountains.They burn offerings on the hills,under oaks, poplars and other trees.They think the shade under those trees is nice.So your daughters become prostitutes.And your daughters-in-law are guilty of adultery.
14. “But I will not punish your daughterswhen they become prostitutes.I will not punish your daughters-in-lawfor their sins of adultery.I will not punish thembecause you yourselves have sinned sexually with prostitutes.You offer sacrifices with the temple prostitutes.You foolish people are destroying yourselves.
15. “Israel, you act like a prostitute.But don’t let Judah be guilty.Don’t go to sacrifice at Gilgal.Don’t go up to give offerings at Beth Aven.Don’t use the Lord’s name to make promises.Don’t say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives . . .’
16. The people of Israel are stubbornlike a stubborn young cow.How then can the Lord feed themlike lambs in a meadow?
17. Israel has chosen to worship idols.So, let them.
18. Her rulers get drunk.Then they give themselves to being prostitutes.They love these disgraceful things.
19. They will be swept away as by a whirlwind.Their sacrifices will bring them only shame.