Add parallel Print Page Options

11 You cheat poor people so that they pay too much tax. You take away their food for yourselves. Because of that, you will not live in the beautiful houses that you have built for yourselves. You will not drink wine from the vines that you have planted.

12 I, the Lord, know all the wrong things that you have done. They are very many and they are very bad. You are cruel to good people. You take bribes to tell lies. Sometimes a person gives money to you to make you tell lies. As a result, poor people do not receive justice. 13 This is such an evil time that clever people say nothing. That is how they keep themselves safe.’

Read full chapter

11 You levy a straw tax on the poor(A)
    and impose a tax on their grain.
Therefore, though you have built stone mansions,(B)
    you will not live in them;(C)
though you have planted lush vineyards,
    you will not drink their wine.(D)
12 For I know how many are your offenses
    and how great your sins.(E)

There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes(F)
    and deprive the poor(G) of justice in the courts.(H)
13 Therefore the prudent keep quiet(I) in such times,
    for the times are evil.(J)

Read full chapter