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

⁸ Jerusalem staggers,
    Judah is falling;^(A)
their words^(B) and deeds^(C) are against the Lord,
    defying^(D) his glorious presence.

³ “They make ready their tongue
    like a bow, to shoot lies;^(A)
it is not by truth
    that they triumph^[a] in the land.
They go from one sin to another;
    they do not acknowledge^(B) me,”
declares the Lord.