21 The faithful town—

what an adulteressA she has become!

She was once full of justice.

Righteousness once dwelt in her,

but now, murderers!

22 Your silver has become dross to be discarded,

your beerB is diluted with water.

23 Your rulers are rebels,

friends of thieves.f

They all love graft

and chase after bribes.g

They do not defend the rights of the fatherless,

and the widow’s case never comes before them.h

24 Therefore the Lord God of Armies,

the Mighty One of Israel, declares:

“Ah, I will get even with my foes;

I will take revenge against my enemies.i