17. learn to do good; seek justice,relieve the oppressed;judge the fatherless,plead for the widow.
18. Come now, and let us reason together,says the Lord.Though your sins be as scarlet,they shall be as white as snow;though they be red like crimson,they shall be as wool.
19. If you are willing and obedient,you shall eat the good of the land;
20. but if you refuse and rebel,you shall be devoured with the sword;for the mouth of the Lord has spokenit.
21. How the faithful cityhas become a prostitute!She was full of justice;righteousness lodged in her,but now murderers.
22. Your silver has become dross,your wine mixed with water.
23. Your princes are rebelliousand companions of thieves;everyone loves a bribeand follows after rewards.They do not defend the fatherless,nor does the cause of the widow come before them.
24. Therefore the Lord, the Lord of Hosts,the Mighty One of Israel, says:Ah, I will get relief from My adversaries,and avenge Myself on My enemies.
25. And I will turn My hand against you,thoroughly purge away your dross,and take away all your impurities.
26. I will restore your judges as at the first,and your counselors as at the beginning.Afterward you shall be calledthe city of righteousness,a faithful town.
27. Zion shall be redeemed with justiceand her converts with righteousness.
28. But the destruction of the transgressors and sinners shall be together,and those who forsake the Lord shall be consumed.
29. For they shall be ashamed of the oakswhich you have desired,and you shall be humiliated for the gardensthat you have chosen.
30. For you shall be as an oak whose leaf fades,and as a garden that has no water.
31. The strong shall be as tinder,and his work like a spark;they will both burn together,and no one will quench them.