[1] Indeed, a king will reign righteously, and rulers will rule justly. [2] Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the rain, like flowing streams in a dry land and the shade of a massive rock in an arid land. [3] Then the eyes of those who see will not be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. [4] The reckless mind will gain knowledge, and the stammering tongue will speak clearly and fluently. [5] A fool will no longer be called a noble, nor a scoundrel said to be important. [6] For a fool speaks foolishness and his mind plots iniquity. He lives in a godless way and speaks falsely about the LORD. He leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink. [7] The scoundrel's weapons are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the needy with lies, even when the poor person says what is right. [8] But a noble person plans noble things; he stands up for noble causes. [9] Stand up, you complacent women; listen to me. Pay attention to what I say, you overconfident daughters. [10] In a little more than a year you overconfident ones will shudder, for the grapes will fail and the harvest will not come. [11] Shudder, you complacent ones; tremble, you overconfident ones! Strip yourselves bare and put sackcloth around your waists. [12] Beat your breasts in mourning for the delightful fields and the fruitful vines, [13] for the ground of my people growing thorns and briers, indeed, for every joyous house in the jubilant city. [14] For the palace will be deserted, the busy city abandoned. The hill and the watchtower will become barren places forever, the joy of wild donkeys, and a pasture for flocks, [15] until the Spirit from on high is poured out on us. Then the desert will become an orchard, and the orchard will seem like a forest. [16] Then justice will inhabit the wilderness, and righteousness will dwell in the orchard. [17] The result of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever. [18] Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and secure dwellings. [19] But hail will level the forest, and the city will sink into the depths. [20] You will be happy as you sow seed beside abundant water, and as you let oxen and donkeys range freely.
