11. “Sexual sins, strong drink, and new wine ruin a person’s ability to think straight.
12. My people are asking pieces of wood for advice. They think those sticks will answer them! They have chased after those false gods like prostitutes and have left their own God.
13. They make sacrifices on the tops of the mountains and burn incense on the hills under oak trees, poplar trees, and elm trees. The shade under those trees looks nice. So your daughters lie under those trees like prostitutes, and your daughters-in-law commit sexual sins.
14. “I cannot blame your daughters or your daughters-in-law for doing this, because your men go and have sex with the temple prostitutes and offer sacrifices with them. This is how foolish people destroy themselves.
15. “Israel, just because you act like a prostitute doesn’t mean that Judah should feel guilty too. People, don’t go to Gilgal or Beth Aven. Don’t use the Lord’s name to make promises. Don’t say, ‘As the Lord lives …!’
16. The Lord has given many things to Israel. He is like a shepherd who takes his sheep to a large field with plenty of grass. But Israel is stubborn like a young cow that runs away again and again.
17. “Ephraim has joined his idols, so leave him alone.
18. Ephraim has joined their drunkenness. Let them continue to be prostitutes. Let them be with their lovers.
19. They went to those gods for safety, and they have lost their ability to think. Their altars will bring them shame.