Comfort for the Contrite

14 And it will be said:

“Build up, build up, prepare the road!v

Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.”w

15 For this is what the high and exaltedx One says—

he who lives forever,y whose name is holy:

“I live in a highz and holy place,

but also with the one who is contritea and lowly in spirit,b

to revive the spirit of the lowly

and to revive the heart of the contrite.c

16 I will not accused them forever,

nor will I always be angry,e

for then they would faint away because of me—

the very peoplef I have created.

17 I was enraged by their sinful greed;g

I punished them, and hidh my face in anger,

yet they kept on in their willful ways.i

18 I have seen their ways, but I will healj them;

I will guidek them and restore comfortl to Israel’s mourners,

19 creating praise on their lips.m

Peace, peace,n to those far and near,”o

says the Lord. “And I will heal them.”

20 But the wickedp are like the tossing sea,q

which cannot rest,

whose waves cast up mirer and mud.

21 “There is no peace,”s says my God, “for the wicked.”t