Jeremiah 5:26-29

International Standard Version

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?’