Jeremiah 6:27-29

The Voice

²⁷ Eternal One (to Jeremiah): Put My people to the test.
        Examine their ways as a refiner tests the ore’s purity.
²⁸     They are all stubborn rebels,
        lying to each other and to Me.
    They are nothing more than bronze and iron—
        lesser metals, corrupt and common.
²⁹     The refining fire has blazed fiercely, My prophet;
        the lead is burned away in the fire.
    But it’s no use. Though the refining fire burns hot,
        their wickedness cannot be removed.