18 “Come now, let us reason together,

says the Lord:

though your sins are like scarlet,

they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red like crimson,

they shall become like wool.

19 If you are willing and obedient,

you shall eat the good of the land;

20 But if you refuse and rebel,

you shall be devoured by the sword;

for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

21 How the faithful city has become a harlot,

she that was full of justice!

Righteousness lodged in her,

but now murderers.

22 Your silver has become dross,

your wine mixed with water.

23 Your princes are rebels

and companions of thieves.

Every one loves a bribe

and runs after gifts.

They do not defend the fatherless,

and the widow’s cause does not come to them.

24 Therefore the Lord says,

the Lord of hosts,

the Mighty One of Israel:

“Ah, I will vent my wrath on my enemies,

and avenge myself on my foes.

25 I will turn my hand against you

and will smelt away your dross as with lye

and remove all your alloy.

26 And I will restore your judges as at the first,

and your counselors as at the beginning.

Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness,

the faithful city.”

27 Zion shall be redeemed by justice,

and those in her who repent, by righteousness.

28 But rebels and sinners shall be destroyed together,

and those who forsake the Lord shall be consumed.

29 For you shall be ashamed of the oaks

in which you delighted;

and you shall blush for the gardens

which you have chosen.

30 For you shall be like an oak

whose leaf withers,

and like a garden without water.

31 And the strong shall become tow

and his work a spark,

and both of them shall burn together,

with none to quench them.