Isaiah 1:16-26

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.

24Therefore the Lord, the LORD Almighty, the Mighty One of Israel, declares: “Ah! I will vent my wrath on my foes and avenge myself on my enemies.

25I will turn my hand against you; That is, against Jerusalem I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities.

26I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.”