5. Why be punished more?Why not give up your sin?Your head is badly bruised,and you are weak all over.
6. From your head to your toesthere isn't a healthy spot.Bruises, cuts, and open soresgo without careor oil to ease the pain.
7. Your country lies in ruins;your towns are in ashes.Foreigners and strangerstake and destroy your landwhile you watch.
8. Enemies surround Jerusalem,alone like a hut in a vineyardor in a cucumber field.
9. Zion would have disappearedlike Sodom and Gomorrah,if the Lord All-Powerfulhad not let a fewof its people survive.
10. You are no betterthan the leaders and peopleof Sodom and Gomorrah!So listen to the Lord God:
11. “Your sacrificesmean nothing to me.I am sick of your offeringsof rams and choice cattle;I don't like the bloodof bulls or lambs or goats.
12. “Who asked you to bring all thiswhen you come to worship me?Stay out of my temple!
13. Your sacrifices are worthless,and incense is disgusting.I can't stand the evil you doon your New Moon Festivalsor on your Sabbathsand other times of worship.
14. I hate your New Moon Festivalsand all others as well.They are a heavy burdenI am tired of carrying.
15. “No matter how much you pray,I won't listen.You are too violent.
16. Wash yourselves clean!I am disgustedwith your filthy deeds.Stop doing wrong
17. and learn to live right.See that justice is done.Defend widows and orphansand help those in need.”
18. I, the Lord, invite youto come and talk it over.Your sins are scarlet red,but they will be whiterthan snow or wool.