18 How horrible it will be for thosewho string people along with lies and empty promises,whose lives are sinful.
19 They say,“Let God hurry and quickly do his workso that we may see what he has in mind.Let the plan of the Holy One of Israel happen quicklyso that we may understand what he is doing.”
20 How horrible it will be for thosewho call evil good and good evil,who turn darkness into light and light into darkness,who turn what is bitter into something sweetand what is sweet into something bitter.
21 How horrible it will be for thosewho think they are wiseand consider themselves to be clever.
22 How horrible it will be for thosewho are heroes at drinking wine,who are champions at mixing drinks,
23 who declare the guilty innocent for a bribe,who take away the rights of righteous people.
24 As flames burn up strawand dry grass shrivels in flames,so their roots will rot,and their blossoms will blow away like dust.They have rejected the teachings of the Lord of Armiesand have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.