5 The earth lies polluted under its inhabitants,for they have disobeyed instruction,swept aside law,and broken the ancient covenant.
6 Therefore, a curse devours the earth; its inhabitants suffer for their guilt.Therefore, the earth’s inhabitants dwindle; very few are left.
7 The wine dries up;the vine withers;all the merry-hearted groan.
8 The joyous tambourines have ceased;the roar of partyers has stopped;the joyous harp has ceased.
9 No one drinks wine or sings;beer is bitter to its drinkers.
10 The town is in chaos, broken;every house is shut, without entrance.
11 There is a cry for wine in the streets.All joy has reached its dusk;happiness is exiled from the earth.