1 “O Israel,” says the lord,“if you wanted to return to me, you could.You could throw away your detestable idolsand stray away no more.
2 Then when you swear by my name, saying,‘As surely as the lord lives,’you could do sowith truth, justice, and righteousness.Then you would be a blessing to the nations of the world,and all people would come and praise my name.”
3 This is what the lord says to the people of Judah and Jerusalem:“Plow up the hard ground of your hearts!Do not waste your good seed among thorns.
4 O people of Judah and Jerusalem,surrender your pride and power.Change your hearts before the lord,or my anger will burn like an unquenchable firebecause of all your sins.