1Good people die, and nobody cares; the faithful pass away, and nobody thinks that they were being protected from evil.

2Those who follow what's right rest in peace; they find rest as they lie down in death.

3But as for you, children of fortune-tellers, the product of adultery and prostitution—come here!

4Who are you making fun of when you make sneering faces and stick out your tongues? Aren't you the children of sin and lies?

5You're the ones having pagan orgies under the oak trees, under every green tree. You sacrifice your children in the valleys and among the rocky peaks.

6You have chosen to worship the smooth stones from the streams of the valleys—that's the choice you've made! You have poured out drink offerings to these idols—you have presented them with grain offerings. Should that make me happy?

7You have committed adultery ²⁰⁶by idol worship on every high mountain; you went there to offer pagan sacrifices.

8You've placed your pagan signs behind your doors and on your doorposts. Deserting me, you took off your clothes and climbed into bed, committing yourselves to those you love, going to bed with them. You've seen them naked. ²⁰⁷

9You went to offer Molech ²⁰⁸olive oil, covering yourselves with many perfumes. You sent your messengers to distant places; you even went down into the world of the dead. ²⁰⁹

10You wore yourselves out by such running around, but you didn't give up and say, “It's hopeless!” You found new strength ²¹⁰and so didn't become weak.

11Who were you scared of, who frightened you so much that you lied to me, didn't remember me, didn't even think about me? Is it because I've been quiet for so long that you don't even fear me?

12I'm going to let everyone know about how you're “so good” and the things you do—but they won't help you!

13When you cry out for help, let's see if your collection of idols will save you! The wind will blow them all away, just a breath and they're gone! But whoever comes to me for help will own the land and possess my holy mountain.

14He ²¹¹will say, Build a highway, remove anything that's in the way of my people.

15This is what the one who is high above all says, he who lives in eternity, whose name is holy: I live in a high and holy place, together with those who repent and who act humbly, restoring their spirits and encouraging them.

16I won't fight with you forever; I won't be angry with you forever. Otherwise you'd lose heart, the very people I gave life to.

17Yes, I was angry with these sinful, greedy people so I punished them. I was angry, so I hid myself from them, but they went on their own rebellious way, doing whatever they wanted.

18I know what they're doing, but I will heal them. I will lead them and comfort those who mourn,

19so they will be able to say thank you. The Lord declares, Peace, peace, to those who are far away and those who are near. I will heal you.

20But the wicked are like the sea that is tossed about, never keeping still, churning up the mud and muck with its waves.

21There's no peace for the wicked, says my God.