Isaiah 1:12-23

12When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts?

13Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations— I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.

14Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.

15When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood!

16Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong.

17Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Or justice. / Correct the oppressor Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

18“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD . “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

19If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land;

20but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

21See how the faithful city has become a prostitute! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her— but now murderers!

22Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water.

23Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them.