17
Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.
18
"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.
19
If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;
20
But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword"; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
21
How the faithful city has become a harlot! It was full of justice; Righteousness lodged in it, But now murderers.
22
Your silver has become dross, Your wine mixed with water.
23
Your princes are rebellious, And companions of thieves; Everyone loves bribes, And follows after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, Nor does the cause of the widow come before them.
24
Therefore the Lord says, The Lord of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, "Ah, I will rid Myself of My adversaries, And take vengeance on My enemies.
25
I will turn My hand against you, And thoroughly purge away your dross, And take away all your alloy.
26
I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city."
27
Zion shall be redeemed with justice, And her penitents with righteousness.