3 And the people of this evil nation who survive, who live in the places where I have scattered them, will prefer to die rather than to go on living. I, the Lord Almighty, have spoken.”
4 The Lord told me to say to his people, “When someone falls down, doesn't he get back up? If someone misses the road, doesn't he turn back?
5 Why then, my people, do you turn away from me without ever turning back? You cling to your idols and refuse to return to me.
6 I listened carefully, but you did not speak the truth. Not one of you has been sorry for his wickedness; not one of you has asked, ‘What have I done wrong?’ Everyone keeps on going his own way, like a horse rushing into battle.
7 Even storks know when it is time to return; doves, swallows, and thrushes know when it is time to migrate. But, my people, you do not know the laws by which I rule you.
8 How can you say that you are wise, and that you know my laws? Look, the laws have been changed by dishonest scribes.
9 Your wise men are put to shame; they are confused and trapped. They have rejected my words; what wisdom have they got now?