12. For I know your transgressions are many and your sins are great, You who distress the righteous and accept bribes And turn aside the poor in the gate.
13. Therefore at such a time the prudent person keeps silent, for it is an evil time.
14. Seek good and not evil, that you may live; And thus may the Lord God of hosts be with you, Just as you have said!
15. Hate evil, love good, And establish justice in the gate! Perhaps the Lord God of hosts May be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
16. Therefore thus says the Lord God of hosts, the Lord, "There is wailing in all the plazas, And in all the streets they say, 'Alas! Alas!' They also call the farmer to mourning And professional mourners to lamentation.
17. "And in all the vineyards there is wailing, Because I will pass through the midst of you," says the Lord.
18. Alas, you who are longing for the day of the Lord, For what purpose will the day of the Lord be to you? It will be darkness and not light;