⁶ Seek^(A) the Lord and live,^(B)
    or he will sweep through the tribes of Joseph like a fire;^(C)
it will devour them,
    and Bethel^(D) will have no one to quench it.^(E)

⁷ There are those who turn justice into bitterness^(F)
    and cast righteousness^(G) to the ground.^(H)

¹⁰ There are those who hate the one who upholds justice in court^(A)
    and detest the one who tells the truth.^(B)

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

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

¹⁴ Seek good, not evil,
    that you may live.^(M)
Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you,
    just as you say he is.
¹⁵ Hate evil,^(N) love good;^(O)
    maintain justice in the courts.^(P)
Perhaps^(Q) the Lord God Almighty will have mercy^(R)
    on the remnant^(S) of Joseph.

¹² Teach us to number our days,^(A)
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.^(B)

¹³ Relent, Lord! How long^(C) will it be?
    Have compassion on your servants.^(D)
14 Satisfy^(E) us in the morning with your unfailing love,^(F)
    that we may sing for joy^(G) and be glad all our days.^(H)
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    for as many years as we have seen trouble.
¹⁶ May your deeds be shown to your servants,
    your splendor to their children.^(I)

¹⁷ May the favor^[a] of the Lord our God rest on us;
    establish the work of our hands for us—
    yes, establish the work of our hands.^(J)

“Today, if you hear his voice,
    do not harden your hearts
    as you did in the rebellion.”^[a](F)