1
The righteous perishes, And no man takes it to heart; Merciful men are taken away, While no one considers That the righteous is taken away from evil.
2
He shall enter into peace; They shall rest in their beds, Each one walking in his uprightness.
3
"But come here, You sons of the sorceress, You offspring of the adulterer and the harlot!
4
Whom do you ridicule? Against whom do you make a wide mouth And stick out the tongue? Are you not children of transgression, Offspring of falsehood,
5
Inflaming yourselves with gods under every green tree, Slaying the children in the valleys, Under the clefts of the rocks?
6
Among the smooth stones of the stream Is your portion; They, they, are your lot! Even to them you have poured a drink offering, You have offered a grain offering. Should I receive comfort in these?
7
"On a lofty and high mountain You have set your bed; Even there you went up To offer sacrifice.
8
Also behind the doors and their posts You have set up your remembrance; For you have uncovered yourself to those other than Me, And have gone up to them; You have enlarged your bed And made a covenant with them; You have loved their bed, Where you saw their nudity.
9
You went to the king with ointment, And increased your perfumes; You sent your messengers far off, And even descended to Sheol.
10
You are wearied in the length of your way; Yet you did not say, 'There is no hope.' You have found the life of your hand; Therefore you were not grieved.
11
"And of whom have you been afraid, or feared, That you have lied And not remembered Me, Nor taken it to your heart? Is it not because I have held My peace from of old That you do not fear Me?
12
I will declare your righteousness And your works, For they will not profit you.
13
When you cry out, Let your collection of idols deliver you. But the wind will carry them all away, A breath will take them. But he who puts his trust in Me shall possess the land, And shall inherit My holy mountain."
14
And one shall say, "Heap it up! Heap it up! Prepare the way, Take the stumbling block out of the way of My people."