22. None of the sins that they committed will be held against them, but they will live because they do the right things.
23. Do I take pleasure in the death of the wicked? says the Lord God. Certainly not! If they change their ways, they will live.
24. If those who do the right thing turn from righteousness and engage in the same detestable practices that the wicked committed, can they do these things and live? None of their righteous deeds will be remembered. They will die because of their treacheries and sins.
25. But you say, "My Lord’s way doesn’t measure up." Listen, house of Israel, is it my ways that don’t measure up? Isn’t it your ways that don’t measure up?
26. When those who do the right thing turn from their responsible ways and act maliciously, they will die because of it. For their malicious acts they will die.
27. And when the wicked turn from their wicked deeds and act justly and responsibly, they will preserve their lives.
28. When they become alarmed and turn away from all their sins, they will surely live; they won’t die.
29. Yet the house of Israel says, "My Lord’s way doesn’t measure up." Is it my ways that don’t measure up? Isn’t it your ways that don’t measure up, house of Israel?
30. Therefore, I will judge each of you according to your ways, house of Israel. This is what the Lord God says. Turn, turn away from all your sins. Don’t let them be sinful obstacles for you.
31. Abandon all of your repeated sins. Make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, house of Israel?
32. I most certainly don’t want anyone to die! This is what the Lord God says. Change your ways, and live!