and get to the business of living, theirs was going to be a long exile. As the saying goes, “bloom where you are planted.” They were to be just as active, as fruitful, as industrious as if they were not in captivity. God never condones indigence under any circumstance. It was always His desire that His people be “increased … and not diminished” (v. 6). 2. Be good citizens. Become involved in making that place better for your having been there. “Seek the peace of the city, … pray to the LORD for it” (v.