1. I will take my post;I will position myself on the fortress.I will keep watch to see what the Lord says to meand how he will respond to my complaint.
2. Then the Lord answered me and said,Write a vision, and make it plain upon a tabletso that a runner can read it.
3. There is still a vision for the appointed time;it testifies to the end;it does not deceive.If it delays, wait for it;for it is surely coming; it will not be late.
4. Some people’s desires are truly audacious;they don’t do the right thing.But the righteous person will live honestly.
5. Moreover, wine betrays an arrogant man.He doesn’t rest.He opens his jaws like the grave;like death, he is never satisfied.He gathers all nations to himselfand collects all peoples for himself.
6. Won’t everyone tell parables about himor mocking poems concerning him?They will say:Doom to the one who multiplies what doesn’t belong to himand who increases his own burden.How long?
7. Won’t they suddenly rise up to bite you?Those who frighten you will awaken;you will become plunder for them.
8. Since you yourself have plundered many nations,all the rest of the peoples will plunder youbecause of the human bloodshedand the violence done to the earth,to every village, and to all its inhabitants.
9. Doom to the one making evil gain for his own house,for putting his own nest up high,for delivering himself from the grasp of calamity.
10. You plan shame for your own house,cutting off many peoplesand sinning against your own life.
11. A stone will cry out from a village wall,and a tree branch will respond.
12. Pity the one building a city with bloodshedand founding a village with injustice.
13. Look, isn’t this from the Lord of heavenly forces?Peoples grow weary from making just enough fire;nations become tired for nothing.