Jeremiah 9:6-11

English Standard Version

⁷ Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts:
“Behold, ^(B)I will refine them and ^(C)test them,
    for what else can I do, ^(D)because of my people?
^8 (E)Their tongue is a deadly arrow;
    ^(F)it speaks deceitfully;
with his mouth ^(G)each speaks peace to his neighbor,
    but in his heart ^(H)he plans an ambush for him.
^9 (I)Shall I not punish them for these things? declares the Lord,
    and shall I not avenge myself
    on a nation such as this?

¹⁰ “I will take up weeping and wailing for the mountains,
    and a lamentation for ^(J)the pastures of the wilderness,
^(K)because they are laid waste so that no one passes through,
    and the lowing of cattle is not heard;
^(L)both the birds of the air and the beasts
    have fled and are gone.
^11 (M)I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins,
    ^(N)a lair of jackals,
^(O)and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation,
    without inhabitant.”