1. “O Israel,” says the lord,“if you wanted to return to me, you could.You could throw away your detestable idolsand stray away no more.
2. Then when you swear by my name, saying,‘As surely as the lord lives,’you could do sowith truth, justice, and righteousness.Then you would be a blessing to the nations of the world,and all people would come and praise my name.”
3. This is what the lord says to the people of Judah and Jerusalem:“Plow up the hard ground of your hearts!Do not waste your good seed among thorns.
4. O people of Judah and Jerusalem,surrender your pride and power.Change your hearts before the lord,or my anger will burn like an unquenchable firebecause of all your sins.