11. And that son does all the evil things his father would never do—he worships idols on the mountains, commits adultery,
12. oppresses the poor and helpless, steals from debtors by refusing to let them redeem their security, worships idols, commits detestable sins,
13. and lends money at excessive interest. Should such a sinful person live? No! He must die and must take full blame.
14. “But suppose that sinful son, in turn, has a son who sees his father’s wickedness and decides against that kind of life.
15. This son refuses to worship idols on the mountains and does not commit adultery.
16. He does not exploit the poor, but instead is fair to debtors and does not rob them. He gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy.
17. He helps the poor, does not lend money at interest, and obeys all my regulations and decrees. Such a person will not die because of his father’s sins; he will surely live.
18. But the father will die for his many sins—for being cruel, robbing people, and doing what was clearly wrong among his people.
19. “‘What?’ you ask. ‘Doesn’t the child pay for the parent’s sins?’ No! For if the child does what is just and right and keeps my decrees, that child will surely live.