16-21 Next, God calls up the wicked:

“What are you up to, quoting my laws,
    talking like we are good friends?
You never answer the door when I call;
    you treat my words like garbage.
If you find a thief, you make him your buddy;
    adulterers are your friends of choice.
Your mouth drools filth;
    lying is a serious art form with you.
You stab your own brother in the back,
    rip off your little sister.
I kept a quiet patience while you did these things;
    you thought I went along with your game.
I’m calling you on the carpet, now,
    laying your wickedness out in plain sight.

22-23 “Time’s up for playing fast and
    loose with me.
I’m ready to pass sentence,
    and there’s no help in sight!
It’s the praising life that honors me.
    As soon as you set your foot on the Way,
I’ll show you my salvation.”

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20 You sit and testify against your brother(A)
    and slander your own mother’s son.
21 When you did these things and I kept silent,(B)
    you thought I was exactly[a] like you.
But I now arraign(C) you
    and set my accusations(D) before you.

22 “Consider this, you who forget God,(E)
    or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you:(F)

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 50:21 Or thought the ‘I am’ was