7. The wicked need to abandon their lifestyleand sinful people their plans.They should return to the Lord, and he will show mercy to them,and to their God, for he will freely forgive them.
8. “Indeed, my plans are not like your plans,and my deeds are not like your deeds,
9. for just as the sky is higher than the earth,so my deeds are superior to your deedsand my plans superior to your plans.
10. The rain and snow fall from the skyand do not return,but instead water the earthand make it produce and yield crops,and provide seed for the planter and food for those who must eat.
11. In the same way, the promise that I makedoes not return to me, having accomplished nothing.No, it is realized as I desireand is fulfilled as I intend.”
12. Indeed you will go out with joy;you will be led along in peace;the mountains and hills will give a joyful shout before you,and all the trees in the field will clap their hands.
13. Evergreens will grow in place of thorn bushes,firs will grow in place of nettles;they will be a monument to the Lord,a permanent reminder that will remain.