Jeremiah 2:23-37 ▼

23 How can you say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baal? See your ways in the valleys, and know what you have done: you have lifted up your voice, O you perverse in her ways;

24 You are like a wild ass which is untrained in the wilderness and follows her own will; you have snuffed up the wind, who can bring you back? Whoever seeks her shall weary himself, he shall find her only by means of her footprints.

25 Your feet are weary because they are unshod, and your throat is dry from thirst; but you said, I have become strong, I am unwilling to repent because I have loved strangers, and after them I will go.

26 As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so the children of Israel are ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,

27 Who say to a piece of wood, You are our father; and to a stone, You have brought us forth; for they have turned their backs upon me and not their faces; but in the time of their trouble, they say, Arise and save us.

28 But where are your gods that you have made for yourself? Let them arise and save you in the time of your trouble; for according to the number of your cities are your gods, O Judah.

29 Why then do you contend with me? You all have transgressed against me, says the LORD.

30 In vain have I smitten your children; they have received no discipline; the sword has devoured your prophets like a destroying lion.

31 As for you, O generation, hear the word of the LORD. Have I been like a wilderness to Israel? Or a waste land? Wherefore then say my people, We are humiliated; we will come no more to you?

32 Can a maid forget her ornaments or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me days without number.

33 Why do you deck yourself to induce love? For behold you have also learned evil by means of your conduct.

34 Also on your hands is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents; I have not found it by hard search, for it is under every tree.

35 Yet you say, Because I am innocent, therefore he will turn his anger from me. Behold, I will contend with you, because you have said, I have not sinned.

36 Why do you gad about so much to change your ways? You shall also be ashamed of Egypt, even as you were ashamed of Assyria.

37 Yea, you shall go forth from him humiliated; for the LORD is angry against those upon whom you have put your trust, and you shall not prosper with them.