Isaiah 9:16-18

Common English Bible

¹⁶ But this people’s leaders were misleading,
    and those being led were confused.
¹⁷ So the Lord showed their youth no pity,
    and showed their orphans and widows no mercy;
    for everyone was godless and evil;
        every mouth spoke nonsense.
Even then God’s anger didn’t turn away;
    God’s hand was still extended.

¹⁸ Wickedness burned like fire,
    devouring thorn and thistle.
It kindled the thickets of the forest;
    they swirled in rising smoke.