21 What will you saywhen God makes the people you thought were your friendsyour new masters?Won’t pain grip you like a woman in labor?
22 If you ask yourself,“Why do these things happen to me?”it’s because you have so many sins.Your clothes have been torn offand your limbs are bare.
23 Can Ethiopians change the color of their skinor leopards change their spots?Can you do goodwhen you’re taught to do wrong?
24 “I will scatter you like straw that is blown away by a desert wind.
25 This is your fate, the destiny I have planned for you,”declares the Lord.“You have forgotten me and trusted false gods.
26 I will also tear off your clothes,and your shame will be seen.
27 I have seen you commit adultery and squeal with delight.I have seen you act like a shameless prostituteon the hills and in the fields.How horrible it will be for you, Jerusalem!Will you ever be clean?”