15 But my people have forgotten me.They make offerings to worthless idols.This makes them stumble in what they do.They stumble about in the old ways of their ancestors.They walk along back roadsand on poor highways.
16 So Judah’s country will become an empty desert.People will not stop making fun of it.They will shake their heads as they pass by.They will be shocked at how the country was destroyed.
17 I will scatter them before their enemiesas a strong east wind blows things away.At that awful time they will not see me coming to help them.They will see me leaving.”
18 Then the people said, “Come, let’s make plans against Jeremiah. Surely the teaching of the law by the priest will not be lost. And the advice from the wise men will still be with us. We will still have the words of the prophets. So let’s ruin him by telling lies about him! We won’t pay attention to anything he says.”
19 Lord, listen to me.Listen to what my accusers are saying!
20 Good should not be paid back with evil.But they have dug a pit in order to kill me.Lord, remember that I stood before youand asked you to do good things for these people.I asked you to turn your anger away from them.
21 So now, let their children starve.Let their enemies defeat them with swords.Let their wives lose their children and husbands.Let the men from Judah be put to death.Let the young men be killed in battle.