Malachi 2:1-9

Contemporary English Version

True and False Priests

2 I, the Lord All-Powerful, have something else to say to you priests. ² You had better take seriously the need to honor my name. Otherwise, when you give a blessing, I will turn it into a curse. In fact, I have already done this, because you haven't taken to heart your duties as priests. ³ I will punish your descendants and rub your faces in the manure from your animal sacrifices, and then be done with you.^[a]

^4 (A) I am telling you this, so I can continue to keep my agreement with your ancestor Levi. ^5 (B) I blessed him with a full life, as I had promised, and he kept his part of the agreement by honoring me and respecting my name. ⁶ He taught the truth and never told lies, and he led a lot of people to turn from sin, because he obeyed me and lived right.

⁷ You priests should be eager to spread knowledge, and everyone should come to you for instruction, because you speak for me, the Lord All-Powerful. ⁸ But you have turned your backs on me. Your teachings have led others to do sinful things, and you have broken the agreement I made with your ancestor Levi. ⁹ So I caused everyone to hate and despise you, because you disobeyed me and failed to treat all people alike.