Isaiah 1:16–23

16 Washm and make yourselves clean.

Take your evil deeds out of my sight;n

stop doing wrong.o

17 Learn to do right;p seek justice.q

Defend the oppressed.a r

Take up the cause of the fatherless;s

plead the case of the widow.t

18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”u

says the Lord.

“Though your sins are like scarlet,

they shall be as white as snow;v

though they are red as crimson,

they shall be like wool.w

19 If you are willing and obedient,x

you will eat the good things of the land;y

20 but if you resist and rebel,z

you will be devoured by the sword.”a

For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.b

21 See how the faithful city

has become a prostitute!c

She once was full of justice;

righteousnessd used to dwell in her—

but now murderers!e

22 Your silver has become dross,f

your choice wine is diluted with water.

23 Your rulers are rebels,g

partners with thieves;h

they all love bribesi

and chase after gifts.

They do not defend the cause of the fatherless;

the widow’s case does not come before them.j