5 Why, then, have the people of Jerusalem gone the wrong wayand not turned back?They believe their own liesand refuse to turn around and come back.
6 I have listened to them very carefully,but they do not say what is right.They do not feel sorry about their wicked ways,saying, “What have I done?”Each person goes his own way,like a horse charging into a battle.
7 Even the birds in the skyknow the right times to do things.The storks, doves, swifts, and thrushesknow when it is time to migrate.But my people don’t knowwhat the Lord wants them to do.
8 “ ‘You keep saying, “We are wise,because we have the teachings of the Lord.”But actually, those who explain the Scriptureshave written lies with their pens.
9 These wise teachers refused to listen to the word of the Lord,so they are not really wise at all.They will be ashamed.They will be shocked and trapped.
10 So I will give their wives to other menand their fields to new owners.Everyone, from the least important to the greatest,is greedy for money.Even the prophets and priestsall tell lies.
11 They tried to heal my people’s serious injuriesas if they were small wounds.They said, “It’s all right, it’s all right.”But really, it is not all right.