1. I will climb up to my watchtowerand stand at my guardpost.There I will wait to see what the lord saysand how he will answer my complaint.
2. Then the lord said to me,“Write my answer plainly on tablets,so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.
3. This vision is for a future time.It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,for it will surely take place.It will not be delayed.
4. “Look at the proud!They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked.But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.
5. Wealth is treacherous,and the arrogant are never at rest.They open their mouths as wide as the grave,and like death, they are never satisfied.In their greed they have gathered up many nationsand swallowed many peoples.
6. “But soon their captives will taunt them.They will mock them, saying,‘What sorrow awaits you thieves!Now you will get what you deserve!You’ve become rich by extortion,but how much longer can this go on?’
7. Suddenly, your debtors will take action.They will turn on you and take all you have,while you stand trembling and helpless.
8. Because you have plundered many nations,now all the survivors will plunder you.You committed murder throughout the countrysideand filled the towns with violence.