7 ¹ whenever I would heal Israel,
the sins of Ephraim are exposed
    and the crimes of Samaria revealed.^(A)
They practice deceit,^(B)
    thieves break into houses,^(C)
    bandits rob in the streets;^(D)

² There is only cursing,^[a] lying^(A) and murder,^(B)
    stealing^(C) and adultery;^(D)
they break all bounds,
    and bloodshed follows bloodshed.^(E)

³ Both hands are skilled in doing evil;^(A)
    the ruler demands gifts,
the judge accepts bribes,^(B)
    the powerful dictate what they desire—
    they all conspire together.
⁴ The best of them is like a brier,^(C)
    the most upright worse than a thorn^(D) hedge.
The day God visits you has come,
    the day your watchmen sound the alarm.
    Now is the time of your confusion.^(E)
5 Do not trust a neighbor;
    put no confidence in a friend.^(F)
Even with the woman who lies in your embrace
    guard the words of your lips.
⁶ For a son dishonors his father,
    a daughter rises up against her mother,^(G)
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
    a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.^(H)

¹⁶ You have observed the statutes of Omri^(A)
    and all the practices of Ahab’s^(B) house;
    you have followed their traditions.^(C)
Therefore I will give you over to ruin^(D)
    and your people to derision;
    you will bear the scorn^(E) of the nations.^[a]”