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.