25. Don’t run until your feet are bareor until your throat is dry.But you say, ‘It’s no use!I love those other gods,and I must chase them!’
26. “A thief is ashamed when someone catches him stealing.In the same way, the family of Israel is ashamed—they, their kings, their officers,their priests, and their prophets.
27. They say to things of wood, ‘You are my father,’and to idols of stone, ‘You gave birth to me.’Those people won’t look at me;they have turned their backs to me.But when they get into trouble, they say,‘Come and save us!’
28. Where are the idols you made for yourselves?Let them come and save youwhen you are in trouble!People of Judah, you have as many idolsas you have towns!
29. “Why do you complain to me?All of you have turned against me,” says the Lord.
30. “I punished your people, but it did not help.They didn’t come back when they were punished.With your swords you killed your prophetslike a hungry lion.
31. “People of Judah, pay attention to the word of the Lord:Have I been like a desert to the people of Israelor like a dark and dangerous land?Why do my people say, ‘We are free to wander.We won’t come to you anymore’?
32. A young woman does not forget her jewelry,and a bride does not forget the decorations for her dress.But my people have forgotten mefor more days than can be counted.
33. You really know how to chase after love.Even the worst women can learn evil ways from you.
34. Even on your clothes you have the bloodof poor and innocent people,but they weren’t thieves you caught breaking in.You do all these things,
35. but you say, ‘I am innocent.God is not angry with me.’But I will judge you guilty of lying,because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’