^13 (A)“Your words have been hard against me, says the Lord. ^(B)But you say, ‘How have we spoken against you?’

The Messenger of the Lord

^17 (A)You have wearied the Lord with your words. ^(B)But you say, “How have we wearied him?” ^(C)By saying, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.” Or by asking, ^(D)“Where is the God of justice?”

²⁰ But who are you, O man, ^(A)to answer back to God? ^(B)Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”

⁴ who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, ^(A)proclaiming himself to be God.

The Priests' Polluted Offerings

^6 (A)“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am ^(B)a father, where is my honor? And if I am ^(C)a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. ^(D)But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ ^7 (E)By offering polluted food upon my altar. ^(F)But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that ^(G)the Lord's table may be despised. ^8 (H)When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts.

^14 (A)But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord ^(B)was witness between you and the wife of your youth, ^(C)to whom ^(D)you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.