2 Day after day, you worship himand seem eager to learnhis teachings.You act like a nationthat wants to do rightby obeying his laws.You ask him about justice,and say you enjoyworshiping the Lord.
3 You wonder why the Lordpays no attentionwhen you go without eatingand act humble.But on those same daysthat you give up eating,you think only of yourselvesand abuse your workers.
4 You even get angryand ready to fight.No wonder God won't listento your prayers!
5 Do you think the Lordwants you to give up eatingand to act as humbleas a bent-over bush?Or to dress in sackclothand sit in ashes?Is this really what he wantson a day of worship?
6 I'll tell youwhat it really meansto worship the Lord.Remove the chains of prisonerswho are bound unjustly.Free those who are abused!
7 Share your food with everyonewho is hungry;share your homewith the poor and homeless.Give clothes to those in need;don't turn away your relatives.
8 Then your light will shinelike the dawning sun, and youwill quickly be healed.Your honesty will protect youas you advance,and the glory of the Lordwill defend you from behind.