Jeremiah 6:27-29

New Century Version

²⁷ “Jeremiah, I have made you like a worker who tests metal,
    and my people are like the ore.
You must observe their ways
    and test them.
²⁸ All my people have turned against me and are stubborn.
    They go around telling lies about others.
They are like bronze and iron
    that became covered with rust.
    They all act dishonestly.
²⁹ The fire is fanned to make it hotter,
    but the lead does not melt.
The pure metal does not come out;
    the evil is not removed from my people.