17 The Lord’s word came to me:
18 Human one, eat your bread in trembling, and drink your water in anxious agitation.
19 Say to the land’s people, The Lord God proclaims to those living in Jerusalem regarding Israel’s fertile land: As they anxiously eat up their bread and drink up their water in dismay, the land will be emptied of everything in it because of the violence of all who live there.
20 The inhabited cities will be laid waste, the land left desolate, and you will know that I am the Lord.
21 The Lord’s word came to me:
22 Human one, what is this proverb of your people concerning Israel’s fertile land? They say, "The days go by, and every vision vanishes."
23 Therefore, say to them, The Lord God proclaims: I’ll put an end to this proverb! It will never again be uttered in Israel. Tell them instead: The days are coming soon for the fulfillment of every vision.