15. How terrible it will be for people who do everything they can to hide their plans from the Lord! They do their work in darkness. They think, "Who sees us? Who will know?"
16. They turn everything upside down. How silly they are to think that potters are like the clay they work with! Can what is made say to the one who made it, "You didn't make me"? Can the pot say to the potter, "You don't know anything"?
17. In a very short time, Lebanon will be turned into rich farm lands. The rich farm lands will seem like a forest.
18. At that time those who can't hear will hear what is read from the scroll. Those who are blind will come out of gloom and darkness. They will be able to see.
19. Those who aren't proud will once again find their joy in the Lord. And those who are in need will find their joy in the Holy One of Israel.
20. Those who don't show any pity will vanish. Those who make fun of others will disappear. All those who look for ways to do what is evil will be cut off.
21. Without any proof, they claim that a man is guilty. In court they try to trap the one who speaks up for others. By using dishonest witnesses they keep those who aren't guilty from being treated fairly.
22. Long ago the Lord saved Abraham from trouble. Now he says to Jacob's people, "You will not be ashamed anymore. Your faces will no longer grow pale with fear.
23. You will see your children living among you. I myself will give you those children. Then you will honor my name. You will recognize how holy I am. I am the Holy One of Jacob. You will have great respect for me. I am the God of Israel.