12. When the scroll is handed to one who cannot read, with the request, “Read this,” the reply is, “I cannot read.”
13. The Lord said:Since this people draws near with words onlyand honors me with their lips alone,though their hearts are far from me,And fear of me has becomemere precept of human teaching,
14. Therefore I will again deal with this peoplein surprising and wondrous fashion:The wisdom of the wise shall perish,the prudence of the prudent shall vanish.
15. Ah! You who would hide a plantoo deep for the Lord!Who work in the dark, saying,“Who sees us, who knows us?”
16. Your perversity is as though the potterwere taken to be the clay:As though what is made should say of its maker,“He did not make me!”Or the vessel should say of the potter,“He does not understand.”
17. Surely, in a very little while,Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard,and the orchard be considered a forest!
18. On that day the deaf shall hearthe words of a scroll;And out of gloom and darkness,the eyes of the blind shall see.
19. The lowly shall again find joy in the Lord,the poorest rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
20. For the tyrant shall be no more,the scoffer shall cease to be;All who are ready for evil shall be cut off,
21. those who condemn with a mere word,Who ensnare the defender at the gate,and leave the just with an empty claim.
22. Therefore thus says the Lord,the God of the house of Jacob,who redeemed Abraham:No longer shall Jacob be ashamed,no longer shall his face grow pale.
23. For when his children seethe work of my hands in his midst,They shall sanctify my name;they shall sanctify the Holy One of Jacob,be in awe of the God of Israel.
24. Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding,those who find fault shall receive instruction.