5 Then the Lord said to me,
6 “I, the Lord, say: ‘O nation of Israel, can I not deal with you as this potter deals with the clay? In my hands, you, O nation of Israel, are just like the clay in this potter’s hand.’
7 There are times, Jeremiah, when I threaten to uproot, tear down, and destroy a nation or kingdom.
8 But if that nation I threatened stops doing wrong, I will cancel the destruction I intended to do to it.
9 And there are times when I promise to build up and establish a nation or kingdom.
10 But if that nation does what displeases me and does not obey me, then I will cancel the good I promised to do to it.
11 So now, tell the people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem this: The Lord says, ‘I am preparing to bring disaster on you! I am making plans to punish you. So, every one of you, stop the evil things you have been doing. Correct the way you have been living and do what is right.’