1. The word of the Lord came to me again, saying,
2. “What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying:‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes,And the children’s teeth are set on edge’?
3. “As I live,” says the Lord God, “you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel.
4. “Behold, all souls are Mine;The soul of the fatherAs well as the soul of the son is Mine;The soul who sins shall die.
5. But if a man is justAnd does what is lawful and right;
6. If he has not eaten on the mountains,Nor lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel,Nor defiled his neighbor’s wife,Nor approached a woman during her impurity;
7. If he has not oppressed anyone,But has restored to the debtor his pledge;Has robbed no one by violence,But has given his bread to the hungryAnd covered the naked with clothing;
8. If he has not exacted usuryNor taken any increase,But has withdrawn his hand from iniquityAnd executed true judgment between man and man;
9. If he has walked in My statutesAnd kept My judgments faithfully—He is just;He shall surely live!”Says the Lord God.