8 They sinned against you, and you have punished us by scattering us here among the nations, where we have been insulted and cursed.
9 Listen carefully, people of Israel, so you can learn about wisdom and the commands that lead to life.
10 You have lived in this enemy land so long that you are now much older. You are unfit to worship the Lord and are unclean, like a dead body.
11 In fact, you are almost dead yourselves! Don't you know why these things are happening to you?
12 It's because you have turned away from the only source of wisdom.
13 If you had followed the ways of God, you would have lived in peace forever.
14 Learn where wisdom, strength, and knowledge come from. Then you will know how to have a long and peaceful life, and you will find light to guide you.