Jeremiah 5:14-31

New International Version

“Because the people have spoken these words,
    I will make my words in your mouth^(A) a fire^(B)
    and these people the wood it consumes.^(C)
15 People of Israel,” declares the Lord,
    “I am bringing a distant nation^(D) against you—
an ancient and enduring nation,
    a people whose language^(E) you do not know,
    whose speech you do not understand.
¹⁶ Their quivers^(F) are like an open grave;
    all of them are mighty warriors.
¹⁷ They will devour^(G) your harvests and food,
    devour^(H) your sons and daughters;
they will devour^(I) your flocks and herds,
    devour your vines and fig trees.^(J)
With the sword^(K) they will destroy
    the fortified cities^(L) in which you trust.^(M)

²⁰ “Announce this to the descendants of Jacob
    and proclaim^(R) it in Judah:
²¹ Hear this, you foolish and senseless people,^(S)
    who have eyes^(T) but do not see,
    who have ears but do not hear:^(U)
22 Should you not fear^(V) me?” declares the Lord.
    “Should you not tremble^(W) in my presence?
I made the sand a boundary for the sea,^(X)
    an everlasting barrier it cannot cross.
The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail;
    they may roar,^(Y) but they cannot cross it.
²³ But these people have stubborn and rebellious^(Z) hearts;
    they have turned aside^(AA) and gone away.
²⁴ They do not say to themselves,
    ‘Let us fear^(AB) the Lord our God,
who gives autumn and spring rains^(AC) in season,
    who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.’^(AD)
25 Your wrongdoings have kept these away;
    your sins have deprived you of good.^(AE)

²⁶ “Among my people are the wicked^(AF)
    who lie in wait^(AG) like men who snare birds
    and like those who set traps^(AH) to catch people.
²⁷ Like cages full of birds,
    their houses are full of deceit;^(AI)
they have become rich^(AJ) and powerful
²⁸     and have grown fat^(AK) and sleek.
Their evil deeds have no limit;
    they do not seek justice.
They do not promote the case of the fatherless;^(AL)
    they do not defend the just cause of the poor.^(AM)
29 Should I not punish them for this?”
    declares the Lord.
“Should I not avenge^(AN) myself
    on such a nation as this?

³⁰ “A horrible^(AO) and shocking thing
    has happened in the land:
³¹ The prophets prophesy lies,^(AP)
    the priests^(AQ) rule by their own authority,
and my people love it this way.
    But what will you do in the end?^(AR)