Therefore is the wise at that time silent, For an evil time it is.

Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live, And it is so; Jehovah, God of Hosts, is with you, as ye said.

Hate evil, and love good, And set up judgment in the gate, It may be Jehovah, God of Hosts, doth pity the remnant of Joseph.

Who are putting away the day of evil, And ye bring nigh the seat of violence,

And if they go into captivity before their enemies, From thence I command the sword, And it hath slain them, And I have set Mine eye on them for evil, And not for good.

By sword die do all sinners of My people, Who are saying, 'Not overtake, or go before, For our sakes, doth evil.'