Jeremiah 7:1-10

New International Reader's Version

Worshiping Other Gods Is Worthless

7 A message from the Lord came to Jeremiah. The Lord said, ² “Stand at the gate of my house. Announce my message to the people there. Say,

“ ‘Listen to the Lord’s message, all you people of Judah. You always come through these gates to worship the Lord. ³ The God of Israel is speaking to you. He is the Lord who rules over all. He says, “Change the way you live and act. Then I will let you live in this place. ⁴ Do not trust in lies. Do not say, ‘This is the temple of the Lord! This is the temple of the Lord! This is the temple of the Lord!’ ⁵ You must really change the way you live and act. Treat one another fairly. ⁶ Do not treat outsiders or widows badly in this place. Do not take advantage of children whose fathers have died. Do not kill those who are not guilty of doing anything wrong. Do not worship other gods. That will only bring harm to you. ⁷ If you obey me, I will let you live in this place. It is the land I gave your people of long ago. It was promised to them for ever and ever. ⁸ But look! You are trusting in worthless lies.

⁹ “ ‘ “You continue to steal and commit murder. You commit adultery. You tell lies in court. You burn incense to Baal. You worship other gods you didn’t know before. ¹⁰ Then you come and stand in front of me. You keep coming to this house where I have put my Name. You say, ‘We are safe.’ You think you are safe when you do so many things I hate.