12. For I know your crimes are many and your sins countless— afflicting the righteous, taking bribes, and turning the needy aside at the gate.
13. Therefore the prudent keep silent at such a time —for it is a distressful time.
14. Seek good and not evil, so you may live, and so Adonai Elohei-Tzva’ot may be with you —just as you said!
15. Hate evil, love good, maintain justice at the gate. Maybe Adonai Elohei-Tzva’ot will extend grace to Joseph’s remnant.
16. Therefore thus said Adonai Elohei-Tzva’ot, my Lord: “There will be wailing in all plazas and in all streets. They will say: ‘Alas! Alas!’ The farmer will be called to mourning along with those who know the lamentation song.
17. In all vineyards will be wailing, for I will pass through your midst” —Adonai has spoken.
18. Oy to you—longing for the Day of Adonai! What would it be for you? The Day of Adonai will be darkness and not light.