For the one living in Maroth is waiting for good: for evil has come down from the Lord to the doorways of Jerusalem.

A curse on the designers of evil, working on their beds! in the morning light they do it, because it is in their power.

For this cause the Lord has said, See, against this family I am purposing an evil from which you will not be able to take your necks away, and you will be weighted down by it; for it is an evil time.

You who are haters of good and lovers of evil, pulling off their skin from them and their flesh from their bones;

Then they will be crying to the Lord for help, but he will not give them an answer: yes, he will keep his face veiled from them at that time, because their acts have been evil.

They are building up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with evil-doing.

Its heads take rewards for judging, and the priests take payment for teaching, and the prophets get silver for reading the future: but still, supporting themselves on the Lord, they say, Is not the Lord among us? no evil will overtake us.

In that day, says the Lord, I will get together her who goes with uncertain steps, I will get together her who has been sent away, and her on whom I have sent evil;

Am I to let the stores of the evil-doer go out of my memory, and the short measure, which is cursed?

Their hands are made ready to do evil; the ruler makes requests for money, and the judge is looking for a reward; and the great man gives decisions at his pleasure, and the right is twisted.

Who is a God like you, offering forgiveness for evil-doing and overlooking the sins of the rest of his heritage? he does not keep his wrath for ever, because his delight is in mercy.