1. Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
2. There is nought but swearing and breaking faith, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery; they break out, and blood toucheth blood.
3. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field and the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.
4. Yet let no man strive, neither let any man reprove; for thy people are as they that strive with the priest.
5. And thou shalt stumble in the day, and the prophet also shall stumble with thee in the night; and I will destroy thy mother.