16. Wash! Cleanse yourselves!Remove your sinful deedsfrom my sight.Stop sinning!
17. Learn to do what is right!Promote justice!Give the oppressed reason to celebrate!Take up the cause of the orphan!Defend the rights of the widow!
18. Come, let’s consider your options,” says the Lord.“Though your sins have stained you like the color red,you can become white like snow;though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet,you can become white like wool.
19. If you have a willing attitude and obey,then you will again eat the good crops of the land.
20. But if you refuse and rebel,you will be devoured by the sword.”Know for certain that the Lord has spoken.
21. How tragic that the once-faithful cityhas become a prostitute!She was once a center of justice,fairness resided in her,but now only murderers.
22. Your silver has become scum,your beer is diluted with water.
23. Your officials are rebels,they associate with thieves.All of them love bribery,and look for payoffs.They do not take up the cause of the orphan,or defend the rights of the widow.
24. Therefore, the sovereign Lord who commands armies,the powerful ruler of Israel, says this:“Ah, I will seek vengeance against my adversaries,I will take revenge against my enemies.