Isaiah 1:21-31

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.”

27Zion will be delivered with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness.

28But rebels and sinners will both be broken, and those who forsake the LORD will perish.

29“You will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted; you will be disgraced because of the gardens that you have chosen.

30You will be like an oak with fading leaves, like a garden without water. 31The mighty man will become tinder and his work a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the fire.”