4. He calls out to heaven and earth to be his witnesses. Then he judges his people.
5. He says, "Gather my holy people around me. They made a covenant with me by offering a sacrifice."
6. The heavens announce that what God decides is right. He himself is the Judge. Selah
7. God says, "Listen, my people, and I will speak. Listen , Israel , and I will give witness against you. I am God, your God.
8. I don't find fault with you because of your sacrifices. I don't find fault with the burnt offerings you always bring me.
9. I don't need a bull from your barn. I don't need goats from your pens.
10. Every animal in the forest already belongs to me. And so do the cattle on a thousand hills.
11. I own every bird in the mountains. The creatures of the field belong to me.
12. If I were hungry, I wouldn't tell you. The world belongs to me. And so does everything in it.
13. Do I eat the meat of bulls? Do I drink the blood of goats?
14. Bring me thank offerings, because I am your God. Carry out the promises you made to me, because I am the Most High God.
15. Call out to me when trouble comes. I will save you. And you will honor me."
16. But here is what God says to sinful people. "What right do you have to speak the words of my laws? How dare you speak the words of my covenant!
17. You hate my teaching. You turn your back on what I say.
18. When you see a thief, you join him. You make friends with those who commit adultery.
19. You use your mouth to speak evil. You use your tongue to spread lies.