Isaiah 1:11–20

¹¹“What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?”

says the Lord.

“I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams

and the fat of fattened cattle.

I get no pleasure from the blood

of bulls and lambs and goats.

¹²When you come to worship me,

who asked you to parade through my courts with all your ceremony?

¹³Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts;

the incense of your offerings disgusts me!

As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath

and your special days for fasting—

they are all sinful and false.

I want no more of your pious meetings.

¹⁴I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals.

They are a burden to me. I cannot stand them!

¹⁵When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look.

Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen,

for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims.

¹⁶Wash yourselves and be clean!

Get your sins out of my sight.

Give up your evil ways.

¹⁷Learn to do good.

Seek justice.

Help the oppressed.

Defend the cause of orphans.

Fight for the rights of widows.

¹⁸“Come now, let’s settle this,”

says the Lord.

“Though your sins are like scarlet,

I will make them as white as snow.

Though they are red like crimson,

I will make them as white as wool.

¹⁹If you will only obey me,

you will have plenty to eat.

²⁰But if you turn away and refuse to listen,

you will be devoured by the sword of your enemies.

I, the Lord, have spoken!”