16 Thus says the Lord:
“Stand by the roads, and look,
    and ask for (A)the ancient paths,
where the good way is; and walk in it,
    (B)and find rest for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
17 (C)I set watchmen over you, saying,
    ‘Pay attention to (D)the sound of the trumpet!’
But they said, (E)‘We will not pay attention.’
18 Therefore hear, O nations,
    and know, O congregation, what will happen to them.
19 Hear, O earth; behold, I am bringing disaster upon this people,
    (F)the fruit of their devices,
because they have not paid attention to my words;
    and as for my law, they have rejected it.
20 (G)What use to me is (H)frankincense that comes from (I)Sheba,
    or sweet cane from a distant land?
(J)Your burnt offerings are not acceptable,
    nor your sacrifices pleasing to me.
21 Therefore thus says the Lord:
(K)‘Behold, I will lay before this people
    stumbling blocks against which they shall stumble;
fathers and sons together,
    neighbor and friend shall perish.’”

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16 The Lord proclaims:
Stop at the crossroads and look around;
    ask for the ancient paths.
    Where is the good way?
Then walk in it
    and find a resting place for yourselves.
        But you[a] said, “We won’t go!”
17 Still, I have appointed watchmen to warn you.
    But you[b] said, “We won’t listen!”
18 Therefore, pay attention, nations;
        take notice, assembly,
        what is ahead of them.[c]
19 Pay attention, earth:
I’m bringing disaster upon my people,
    the fruit of their own devices,
    because they have ignored my words
    and they have rejected my teaching.
20 What use to me is incense from Sheba
    or sweet cane from a faraway land?
Your entirely burned offerings won’t buy your pardon;
    your sacrifices won’t appease me.
21 Therefore, the Lord proclaims:
I’m putting obstacles before this people,
    and both parents and children will stumble over them;
    neighbor and friend alike will perish.

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Footnotes

  1. Jeremiah 6:16 Or they
  2. Jeremiah 6:17 Or they
  3. Jeremiah 6:18 Heb uncertain