“Because you have rejected this message,^(B)
    relied on oppression^(C)
    and depended on deceit,

⁹ So justice is far from us,
    and righteousness does not reach us.
We look for light, but all is darkness;^(A)
    for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
¹⁰ Like the blind^(B) we grope along the wall,
    feeling our way like people without eyes.
At midday we stumble^(C) as if it were twilight;
    among the strong, we are like the dead.^(D)
11 We all growl like bears;
    we moan mournfully like doves.^(E)
We look for justice, but find none;
    for deliverance, but it is far away.

¹² For our offenses^(F) are many in your sight,
    and our sins testify^(G) against us.
Our offenses are ever with us,
    and we acknowledge our iniquities:^(H)
13 rebellion^(I) and treachery against the Lord,
    turning our backs^(J) on our God,
inciting revolt and oppression,^(K)
    uttering lies^(L) our hearts have conceived.
¹⁴ So justice^(M) is driven back,
    and righteousness^(N) stands at a distance;
truth^(O) has stumbled in the streets,
    honesty cannot enter.
¹⁵ Truth^(P) is nowhere to be found,
    and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.

The Lord looked and was displeased
    that there was no justice.^(Q)

“Cut down the trees^(A)
    and build siege ramps^(B) against Jerusalem.
This city must be punished;
    it is filled with oppression.^(C)

¹¹ Her leaders judge for a bribe,^(A)
    her priests teach for a price,^(B)
    and her prophets tell fortunes for money.^(C)
Yet they look^(D) for the Lord’s support and say,
    “Is not the Lord among us?
    No disaster will come upon us.”^(E)