1-3 The Lord told me to stand by the gate of the temple and tell the people who were going in that the Lord All-Powerful, the God of Israel, had said:Pay attention, people of Judah! Change your ways and start living right, then I will let you keep on living in your own country.
4 Don't fool yourselves! My temple is here in Jerusalem, but that doesn't mean I will protect you.
5 I will keep you safe only if you change your ways and are fair and honest with each other.
6 Stop taking advantage of foreigners, orphans, and widows. Don't kill innocent people. And stop worshiping other gods.
7 Then I will let you enjoy a long life in this land I gave your ancestors.
8 But just look at what is happening! You put your trust in worthless lies.
9 You steal and murder; you lie in court and are unfaithful in marriage. You worship idols and offer incense to Baal, when these gods have never done anything for you.