Jeremiah 6:16-21

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

¹⁶ Thus says the Lord:
Stand at the crossroads and look,
    and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way lies; and walk in it,
    and find rest for your souls.
But they said, “We will not walk in it.”^(A)
17 Also I raised up sentinels for you:
    “Give heed to the sound of the trumpet!”
But they said, “We will not give heed.”^(B)
18 Therefore hear, O nations,
    and know, O congregation, what will happen to them.
¹⁹ Hear, O earth; I am going to bring disaster on this people,
    the fruit of their schemes,
because they have not given heed to my words,
    and as for my teaching, they have rejected it.^(C)
20 Of what use to me is frankincense that comes from Sheba
    or sweet cane from a distant land?
Your burnt offerings are not acceptable,
    nor are your sacrifices pleasing to me.^(D)
21 Therefore thus says the Lord:
See, I am laying before this people
    stumbling blocks against which they shall stumble;
parents and children together,
    neighbor and friend shall perish.^(E)