15. "So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.
16. "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil,
17. Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.
18. "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.
19. "If you consent and obey, You will eat the best of the land;
20. "But if you refuse and rebel, You will be devoured by the sword." Truly, the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
21. How the faithful city has become a harlot, She who was full of justice! Righteousness once lodged in her, But now murderers.
22. Your silver has become dross, Your drink diluted with water.
23. Your rulers are rebels And companions of thieves; Everyone loves a bribe And chases after rewards. They do not defend the orphan, Nor does the widow's plea come before them.
24. Therefore the Lord God of hosts, The Mighty One of Israel, declares, "Ah, I will be relieved of My adversaries And avenge Myself on My foes.
25. "I will also turn My hand against you, And will smelt away your dross as with lye And will remove all your alloy.