12 For I know your manifold transgressionsAnd your mighty sins:Afflicting the just and taking bribes;Diverting the poor from justice at the gate.
13 Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time,For it is an evil time.
14 Seek good and not evil,That you may live;So the Lord God of hosts will be with you,As you have spoken.
15 Hate evil, love good;Establish justice in the gate.It may be that the Lord God of hostsWill be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
16 Therefore the Lord God of hosts, the Lord, says this:“There shall be wailing in all streets,And they shall say in all the highways,‘Alas! Alas!’They shall call the farmer to mourning,And skillful lamenters to wailing.
17 In all vineyards there shall be wailing,For I will pass through you,”Says the Lord.
18 Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord!For what good is the day of the Lord to you?It will be darkness, and not light.