Micah 6:9-16

New International Reader's Version

⁹ The Lord is calling out to Jerusalem.
    And it would be wise to pay attention to him.
He says, “Listen, tribe of Judah
    and you people who are gathered in the city.
¹⁰ You sinful people, should I forget
    that you got your treasures by stealing them?
You use dishonest measures to cheat others.
    I have placed a curse on that practice.
¹¹ Should I forgive anyone who uses dishonest scales?
    They use weights that weigh things heavier
    or lighter than they really are.
¹² The rich people among you harm others.
    You are always telling lies.
    You try to fool others by what you say.
¹³ So I have begun to strike you down.
    I have begun to destroy you
    because you have sinned so much.
¹⁴ You will eat. But you will not be satisfied.
    Your stomachs will still be empty.
You will try to save what you can.
    But you will not be able to.
If you do save something,
    it will be destroyed in battle.
¹⁵ You will plant seeds.
    But you will not harvest any crops.
You will press olives.
    But you will not use the oil.
You will crush grapes.
    But you will not drink the wine
    that is made from them.
¹⁶ You have followed the evil practices
    of King Omri of Israel.
You have done what the family
    of King Ahab did.
You have followed their bad example.
    So I will let you be destroyed.
Others will make fun of you.
    The nations will laugh at you.”