The Justice of a Righteous God

18 Then another message came to me from the Lord: ² “Why do you quote this proverb concerning the land of Israel: ‘The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children’s mouths pucker at the taste’? ³ As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, you will not quote this proverb anymore in Israel. ⁴ For all people are mine to judge—both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sins is the one who will die.

⁵ “Suppose a certain man is righteous and does what is just and right. ⁶ He does not feast in the mountains before Israel’s idols^[a] or worship them. He does not commit adultery or have intercourse with a woman during her menstrual period. ⁷ He is a merciful creditor, not keeping the items given as security by poor debtors. He does not rob the poor but instead gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy. ⁸ He grants loans without interest, stays away from injustice, is honest and fair when judging others, ⁹ and faithfully obeys my decrees and regulations. Anyone who does these things is just and will surely live, says the Sovereign Lord.

³⁰ “Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! ³¹ Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? ³² I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!