11Woe to the wicked! It will go badly with him,
         For what he deserves will be done to him.

12O My people! Their oppressors are children,
         And women rule over them.
         O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray
         And confuse the direction of your paths.

God Will Judge

13The LORD arises to contend,
         And stands to judge the people.

14The LORD enters into judgment with the elders and princes of His people,
         “It is you who have devoured the vineyard;
         The plunder of the poor is in your houses.

15“What do you mean by crushing My people
         And grinding the face of the poor?”
         Declares the Lord GOD of hosts.

Judah’s Women Denounced

16Moreover, the LORD said, “Because the daughters of Zion are proud
         And walk with heads held high and seductive eyes,
         And go along with mincing steps
         And tinkle the bangles on their feet,

17Therefore the Lord will afflict the scalp of the daughters of Zion with scabs,
         And the LORD will make their foreheads bare.”

18In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, headbands, crescent ornaments, 19dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, 20headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume boxes, amulets, 21finger rings, nose rings, 22festal robes, outer tunics, cloaks, money purses, 23hand mirrors, undergarments, turbans and veils.

24Now it will come about that instead of sweet perfume there will be putrefaction;
         Instead of a belt, a rope;
         Instead of well-set hair, a plucked-out scalp;
         Instead of fine clothes, a donning of sackcloth;
         And branding instead of beauty.

25Your men will fall by the sword
         And your mighty ones in battle.

26And her gates will lament and mourn,
         And deserted she will sit on the ground.

NASB ©1995