1-3. The Lord told me to stand by the gate of the temple and to tell the people who were going in that the Lord All-Powerful, the God of Israel, had said:Pay attention, people of Judah! Change your ways and start living right, then I will let you keep on living in your own country.
4. Don't fool yourselves! My temple is here in Jerusalem, but that doesn't mean I will protect you.
5. I will keep you safe only if you change your ways. Be fair and honest with each other.
6. Stop taking advantage of foreigners, orphans, and widows. Don't kill innocent people. And stop worshipping other gods.
7. Then I will let you enjoy a long life in this land I gave your ancestors.
8. But just look at what is happening! You put your trust in worthless lies.
9. You steal and murder; you lie in court and are unfaithful in marriage. You worship idols and offer incense to Baal, when these gods have never done anything for you.