[1] The Lord spoke his word to me. He said: [2] "Human being, what good is the wood of the vine? Is it better than the wood of a tree in the forest? [3] Can wood be taken from the vine to make anything? Can you use it to make a peg on which to hang something? [4] The vine is thrown into the fire for fuel. The fire burns up both ends and starts to burn the middle. Then is it useful for anything? [5] When the vine was whole, it couldn't be made into anything. When the fire has burned it completely, it certainly cannot be made into anything." [6] So this is what the Lord God says: "Out of all the trees in the forest, I gave the wood of the vine as fuel for fire. In the same way I have given up the people who live in Jerusalem. [7] I will turn against them. They came through one fire. But fire will still destroy them. When I turn against them, you will know that I am the Lord. [8] So I will make the land empty. This is because the people have not been loyal, says the Lord God."
