1Behold, a King shall reign in righteousness, and honest rulers shall rule under Him with justice. 2And each one shall be like a shelter from the wind, and a refuge from the storm; like refreshing streams of water, like the shade of a great rock in a dry and thirsty land. 3And everyone’s eyes shall be able to see the truth clearly, and everyone’s ears hear shall be able to hear it. 4Even the heart of the rash shall have prudence, and those who stammer shall speak clearly. 5The ungodly fools shall no more be called noble, nor the scoundrel highly respected. 6For a fool will speak of evil, and his heart will be bent on mischief, practicing hypocrisy, and blaspheming against the LORD, leaving the hungry soul empty, and those that thirst withhold water. 7Scoundrels use wicked means, devising devious schemes to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. 8But the noble make and execute generous plans that shall prosper.

9Rise up, you women (of Judah) who are so complacent; hear my voice, you careless daughters; give ear to what I (Isaiah) say. 10In just over a year you shall be troubled, you women who have no worries; for the grape harvest shall fail, and none shall gather in the fruit. 11Tremble, you complacent women who are so at ease; be concerned, you who have no cares; strip off your fine clothes, and put on sackcloth. 12Beat your breasts and lament for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vines, 13And for the land of My people, where thorns and briers shall come up; yes, and for all the houses of pleasure in the happy city, 14Because the palaces shall be abandoned, the busy city shall be deserted, the fortresses and towers empty and used by animals such as wild donkeys, for dens and pasture lands, 15This desolation shall last until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is counted as a forest. 16Then the LORD’s justice shall prevail in the wilderness (desert), and righteousness shall dwell in the fruitful field. 17And the fruit of that righteousness shall be peace; and its effect shall be quietness and assurance forever. 18And My people shall dwell in peaceful and secure dwellings, and in undisturbed resting places, 19Even when hail comes down and flattens the forest; and completely levels the city. 20Blessed are you that will sow beside every stream, and let your oxen and donkeys range free there.