10. They hate those who reprove at the gateand abhor those who speak with integrity;
11. Therefore, because you tax the destituteand exact from them levies of grain,Though you have built houses of hewn stone,you shall not live in them;Though you have planted choice vineyards,you shall not drink their wine.
12. Yes, I know how many are your crimes,how grievous your sins:Oppressing the just, accepting bribes,turning away the needy at the gate.
13. (Therefore at this time the wise are struck dumbfor it is an evil time.)
14. Seek good and not evil,that you may live;Then truly the Lord, the God of hosts,will be with you as you claim.
15. Hate evil and love good,and let justice prevail at the gate;Then it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts,will have pity on the remnant of Joseph.
16. Therefore, thus says the Lord,the God of hosts, the Lord:In every square there shall be lamentation,and in every street they shall cry, “Oh, no!”They shall summon the farmers to wailand the professional mourners to lament.
17. And in every vineyard there shall be lamentationwhen I pass through your midst, says the Lord.
18. Woe to those who yearnfor the day of the Lord!What will the day of the Lord mean for you?It will be darkness, not light!
19. As if someone fled from a lionand a bear met him;Or as if on entering the househe rested his hand against the wall,and a snake bit it.
20. Truly, the day of the Lord will be darkness, not light,gloom without any brightness!
21. I hate, I despise your feasts,I take no pleasure in your solemnities.