Jeremiah 6:16-21

International Children’s Bible

“Stand where the roads cross and look.
    Ask where the old way is.
Ask where the good way is, and walk on it.
    If you do, you will find rest for yourselves.
    But you have said, ‘We will not walk on the good way!’
¹⁷ I chose watchmen to watch over you.
    I told you, ‘Listen for the sound of the war trumpet!’
    But you said, ‘We will not listen.’
¹⁸ So listen, all you nations.
    Pay attention, you witnesses.
    Watch what I will do to the people of Judah.
¹⁹ Hear this, people of the earth:
    I am going to bring disaster to the people of Judah!
    It will happen because of the evil they plan.
They have not listened to my messages.
    They have rejected my teachings.
²⁰ Why do you bring me offerings of incense from the land of Sheba?
    Why do you bring me sweet-smelling cane from a faraway land?
Your burnt offerings will not be accepted.
    Your sacrifices do not please me.”

“I will put problems in front of Judah.
    Fathers and sons will stumble over them.
    Neighbors and friends will die.”