14. I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals.They are a burden to me. I cannot stand them!
15. When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look.Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen,for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims.
16. Wash yourselves and be clean!Get your sins out of my sight.Give up your evil ways.
17. Learn to do good.Seek justice.Help the oppressed.Defend the cause of orphans.Fight for the rights of widows.
18. “Come now, let’s settle this,”says the lord.“Though your sins are like scarlet,I will make them as white as snow.Though they are red like crimson,I will make them as white as wool.
19. If you will only obey me,you will have plenty to eat.
20. But if you turn away and refuse to listen,you will be devoured by the sword of your enemies.I, the lord, have spoken!”
21. See how Jerusalem, once so faithful,has become a prostitute.Once the home of justice and righteousness,she is now filled with murderers.