³⁸ Yet he was merciful;^(A)
    he forgave^(B) their iniquities^(C)
    and did not destroy them.
Time after time he restrained his anger^(D)
    and did not stir up his full wrath.

¹⁸ “Come now, let us settle the matter,”^(A)
    says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be as white as snow;^(B)
though they are red as crimson,
    they shall be like wool.^(C)