1 The Lord says, “Children,I didn't divorce your motheror sell you to pay debts;I divorced her and sold youbecause of your sins.
2 I came and called out,but you didn't answer.Have I lost my powerto rescue and save?At my command oceans and riversturn into deserts;fish rot and stinkfor lack of water.
3 I make the sky turn darklike the sackclothyou wear at funerals.”
4 The Lord God gives methe right wordsto encourage the weary.Each morning he awakens meeager to learn his teaching;
5 he made me willing to listenand not rebel or run away.
6 I let them beat my backand pull out my beard.I didn't turn asidewhen they insulted meand spit in my face.
7 But the Lord God keeps mefrom being disgraced.So I refuse to give up,because I knowGod will never let me down.
8 My protector is nearby;no one can stand hereto accuse me of wrong.
9 The Lord God will help meand prove I am innocent.My accusers will wear outlike moth-eaten clothes.
10 None of you respect the Lordor obey his servant.You walk in the darkinstead of the light;you don't trust the nameof the Lord your God.
11 Go ahead and walk in the lightof the fires you have set.But with his own hand,the Lord will punish youand make you suffer.