5. Then the word of the Lord came to me saying,
6. "Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?" declares the Lord. "Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.
7. At one moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to uproot, to pull down, or to destroy it;
8. if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it.
9. Or at another moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it;
10. if it does evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will think better of the good with which I had promised to bless it.
11. So now then, speak to the men of Judah and against the inhabitants of Jerusalem saying, 'Thus says the Lord, "Behold, I am fashioning calamity against you and devising a plan against you. Oh turn back, each of you from his evil way, and reform your ways and your deeds."'