18. Come now, let us set things right,says the Lord:Though your sins be like scarlet,they may become white as snow;Though they be red like crimson,they may become white as wool.
19. If you are willing, and obey,you shall eat the good things of the land;
20. But if you refuse and resist,you shall be eaten by the sword:for the mouth of the Lord has spoken!
21. How she has become a prostitute,the faithful city, so upright!Justice used to lodge within her,but now, murderers.
22. Your silver is turned to dross,your wine is mixed with water.
23. Your princes are rebelsand comrades of thieves;Each one of them loves a bribeand looks for gifts.The fatherless they do not defend,the widow’s plea does not reach them.
24. Now, therefore, says the Lord,the Lord of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel:Ah! I will take vengeance on my foesand fully repay my enemies!
25. I will turn my hand against you,and refine your dross in the furnace,removing all your alloy.
26. I will restore your judges as at first,and your counselors as in the beginning;After that you shall be calledcity of justice, faithful city.
27. Zion shall be redeemed by justice,and her repentant ones by righteousness.
28. Rebels and sinners together shall be crushed,those who desert the Lord shall be consumed.
29. You shall be ashamed of the terebinths which you desired,and blush on account of the gardens which you chose.
30. You shall become like a terebinth whose leaves wither,like a garden that has no water.
31. The strong tree shall turn to tinder,and the one who tends it shall become a spark;Both of them shall burn together,and there shall be none to quench them.