9
He destroys places of safety. He tears down cities that have high walls around them.
10
Israel, you hate those who do what is right in court. You can't stand those who tell the truth.
11
You walk all over poor people. You make them give you grain. You have built stone houses. But you won't live in them. You have planted fruitful vineyards. But you won't drink the wine they produce.
12
I know how many crimes you have committed. You have sinned far too much. You crush those who do what is right. You accept money from people who want special favors. You take away the rights of poor people in the courts.
13
So those who are wise keep quiet in times like these. That's because the times are evil.
14
Look to what is good, not to what is evil. Then you will live. And the LORD God who rules over all will be with you, just as you say he is.
15
Hate what is evil. Love what is good. Do what is fair in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God who rules over all will show you his favor. After all, you are the only ones left in the family line of Joseph.
16
The LORD God rules over all. The Lord says, "People will sob in all of the streets. They will be very sad in every market place. Even farmers will be told to cry loudly. People will sob over the dead.
17
Workers will cry in all of the vineyards. That is because I will punish you," says the Lord.
The Day of the LORD Is Coming
18 How terrible it will be for you who long for the day of the Lord! Why do you want it to come? That day will be dark, not light.
19
It will be like a man running away from a lion only to meet a bear. He enters his house and rests his hand on a wall only to be bitten by a snake.