26. “Indeed, there are wicked scoundrels among my people.They lie in wait like bird catchers hiding in ambush.They set deadly traps to catch people.
27. Like a cage filled with the birds that have been caught,their houses are filled with the gains of their fraud and deceit.That is how they have gotten so rich and powerful.
28. That is how they have grown fat and sleek.There is no limit to the evil things they do.They do not plead the cause of the fatherless in such a way as to win it.They do not defend the rights of the poor.
29. I will certainly punish them for doing such things!” says the Lord.“I will certainly bring retribution on such a nation as this!
30. “Something horrible and shockingis going on in the land of Judah:
31. The prophets prophesy lies.The priests exercise power by their own authority.And my people love to have it this way.But they will not be able to help you when the time of judgment comes!