[20] “Announce this to the descendants of Jacob and proclaim it in Judah: [21] Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear: [22] Should you not fear me?” declares the LORD. “Should you not tremble in my presence? I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it. [23] But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away. [24] They do not say to themselves, ‘Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.’ [25] Your wrongdoings have kept these away; your sins have deprived you of good. [26] “Among my people are the wicked who lie in wait like men who snare birds and like those who set traps to catch people. [27] Like cages full of birds, their houses are full of deceit; they have become rich and powerful [28] and have grown fat and sleek. Their evil deeds have no limit; they do not seek justice. They do not promote the case of the fatherless; they do not defend the just cause of the poor. [29] Should I not punish them for this?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this? [30] “A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land: [31] The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end?
