Jeremiah 13:22-27

New International Reader's Version

²²Suppose you ask yourself,
    “Why has this happened to me?”
It’s because you have committed so many sins.
    That’s the reason your skirt has been torn off.
    That’s why your body has been treated so badly.
²³Can people from Ethiopia change their skin?
    Can leopards change their spots?
It’s the same with you.
    You have always done what is evil.
    So how can you do what is good?

²⁴The Lord says, “I will scatter you like straw
    that the desert wind blows away.
²⁵This is what will happen to you.
    I have appointed it for you,” announces the Lord.
“You have forgotten me.
    You have trusted in other gods.
²⁶So I will pull your skirt up over your face.
    Then people will see the shame of your naked body.
²⁷They will see that you have not been faithful to me.
    You have committed adultery with other gods.
And you have acted like a prostitute
    who does not have any shame.
I have seen what you did
    on the hills and in the fields.
    And I hate it.
How terrible it will be for you, Jerusalem!
    How long will you choose to be ‘unclean’?”