[1] The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are
taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away
from calamity, [2] he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk
in their uprightness. [3] But you, draw near hither, sons of the sorceress,
offspring of the adulterer and the harlot. [4] Of whom are you making
sport? Against whom do you open your mouth wide and put out your tongue?
Are you not children of transgression, the offspring of deceit, [5] you who
burn with lust among the oaks, under every green tree; who slay your
children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks? [6] Among the
smooth stones of the valley is your portion; they, they, are your lot; to
them you have poured out a drink offering, you have brought a cereal
offering. Shall I be appeased for these things? [7] Upon a high and lofty
mountain you have set your bed, and thither you went up to offer sacrifice.
[8] Behind the door and the doorpost you have set up your symbol; for,
deserting me, you have uncovered your bed, you have gone up to it, you have
made it wide; and you have made a bargain for yourself with them, you have
loved their bed, you have looked on nakedness. [9] You journeyed to Molech
with oil and multiplied your perfumes; you sent your envoys far off, and
sent down even to Sheol. [10] You were wearied with the length of your way,
but you did not say, "It is hopeless"; you found new life for your
strength, and so you were not faint. [11] Whom did you dread and fear, so
that you lied, and did not remember me, did not give me a thought? Have I
not held my peace, even for a long time, and so you do not fear me? [12] I
will tell of your righteousness and your doings, but they will not help
you. [13] When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The
wind will carry them off, a breath will take them away. But he who takes
refuge in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain.
[14] And it shall be said, "Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove
every obstruction from my people's way." [15] For thus says the high and
lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high
and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit,
to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the
contrite. [16] For I will not contend for ever, nor will I always be angry;
for from me proceeds the spirit, and I have made the breath of life. [17]
Because of the iniquity of his covetousness I was angry, I smote him, I hid
my face and was angry; but he went on backsliding in the way of his own
heart. [18] I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and
requite him with comfort, creating for his mourners the fruit of the lips.
[19] Peace, peace, to the far and to the near, says the LORD; and I will
heal him. [20] But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot rest,
and its waters toss up mire and dirt. [21] There is no peace, says my God,
for the wicked."