The righteous perish , and no one takes it to heart ; devout men are swept away , while no one considers that the righteous are guided from the presence of evil.
Those who walk uprightly enter into peace ; they find rest , vvv lying down in death.
“ But come here , you sons of a sorceress , you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes !
vvv Whom are you mocking ? At whom do you snarl ... and stick out your tongue ? Are you not children of transgression , offspring of deceit ,
who burn with lust among the oaks , under every luxuriant tree , who slaughter your children in the valleys , under the clefts of the rocks ?
Your portion (is) among the smooth (stones) of the valley ; indeed, they ... are your lot. Even you have poured out a drink offering (and) offered a grain offering. Should I relent because of these ?
On a high and lofty hill you have made your bed , and there you went up to offer sacrifices.
Behind the door and doorpost you have set up your memorial. Forsaking Me ... , you uncovered your bed ; you climbed up and opened it wide. And you have made a pact whose bed you have loved ; you have gazed upon their nakedness.
You went to (Molech) with oil and multiplied your perfumes. You have sent your envoys a great distance ; you have descended ... even to Sheol itself.
You are wearied by your many journeys , but you did not say , “ There is no hope ! ” You found renewal of your strength ; therefore ... you did not grow weak.
- Whom have you dreaded and feared , so that you lied and failed to remember Me (or) take this to heart ? Is it not (because) I {have} long been silent that you do not fear Me ?
I will expose your righteousness - and your works , and they will not profit you.
When you cry out , let your companies (of idols) deliver you ! Yet the wind will carry off all of them , a breath will take them away. But he who seeks refuge will inherit the land and possess My holy mountain. ”
And it will be said , “ Build it up , build it up , prepare the way , take every obstacle out of the way of My people. ”
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up , who inhabits eternity , whose name is Holy : “ I dwell in a high and holy place , and with the oppressed and humble in spirit , to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.
For I will not accuse you forever ... , nor will I always be angry ; for then the spirit (of man) would grow weak before Me , with the breath of those I have made.
I was enraged by his sinful greed , so I struck him and hid (My face) in anger ; yet he kept turning back to the desires of his heart.
I have seen his ways , but I will heal him ; I will guide him and restore comfort and his mourners ,
bringing praise to their lips. Peace , peace to those far and near , ” says the LORD , “ and I will heal them. ”
But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea , for it cannot be still ... , and its waves churn up mire and muck.