Jeremiah’s Question

12 Righteous aare You, O Lord, when I plead with You;

Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments.

bWhy does the way of the wicked prosper?

Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?

2 You have planted them, yes, they have taken root;

They grow, yes, they bear fruit.

cYou are near in their mouth

But far from their 1mind.

3 But You, O Lord, dknow me;

You have seen me,

And You have etested my heart toward You.

Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter,

And prepare them for fthe day of slaughter.

4 How long will gthe land mourn,

And the herbs of every field wither?

hThe beasts and birds are consumed,

iFor the wickedness of those who dwell there,

Because they said, “He will not see our final end.”

The Lord Answers Jeremiah

5 “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you,

Then how can you contend with horses?

And if in the land of peace,

In which you trusted, they wearied you,

Then how will you do in jthe 2floodplain of the Jordan?

6 For even kyour brothers, the house of your father,

Even they have dealt treacherously with you;

Yes, they have called 3a multitude after you.

lDo not believe them,

Even though they speak 4smooth words to you.