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26 “Evil men are found among my people.
    They lie in wait like someone who traps birds.
They set a trap,
    but they do so to catch people.
27 Like a cage full of birds,
    so their houses are filled with treachery.
This is how they have become prominent and rich,
28 and have grown fat and sleek.
There is no limit[a] to their evil deeds.
    They don’t argue the case of the orphan to secure[b] justice.
        They don’t defend the rights of[c] the poor.
29 ‘Should I not punish them for this?’[d]
    asks the Lord.
‘Should I not avenge myself
    on a nation like this?’

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Footnotes

  1. Jeremiah 5:28 Lit. pass over; or transgress
  2. Jeremiah 5:28 Lit. win
  3. Jeremiah 5:28 Lit. judge justly
  4. Jeremiah 5:29 Or punish these people

26 “Among my people are the wicked(A)
    who lie in wait(B) like men who snare birds
    and like those who set traps(C) to catch people.
27 Like cages full of birds,
    their houses are full of deceit;(D)
they have become rich(E) and powerful
28     and have grown fat(F) and sleek.
Their evil deeds have no limit;
    they do not seek justice.
They do not promote the case of the fatherless;(G)
    they do not defend the just cause of the poor.(H)
29 Should I not punish them for this?”
    declares the Lord.
“Should I not avenge(I) myself
    on such a nation as this?

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