Jeremiah 17:9–16

9 The heartc is deceitful above all things

and beyond cure.

Who can understand it?

10 “I the Lord search the heartd

and examine the mind,e

to rewardf each person according to their conduct,

according to what their deeds deserve.”g

11 Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay

are those who gain riches by unjust means.

When their lives are half gone, their riches will desert them,

and in the end they will prove to be fools.h

12 A glorious throne,i exalted from the beginning,

is the place of our sanctuary.

13 Lord, you are the hopej of Israel;

all who forsakek you will be put to shame.

Those who turn away from you will be written in the dustl

because they have forsaken the Lord,

the spring of living water.m

14 Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;n

saveo me and I will be saved,

for you are the one I praise.p

15 They keep saying to me,

“Where is the word of the Lord?

Let it now be fulfilled!”q

16 I have not run away from being your shepherd;

you know I have not desired the day of despair.

What passes my lipsr is open before you.