26 for wicked men live among my people.
They watch like hunters[a] lying in wait.[b](A)
They set a trap;(B)
they catch men.
27 Like a cage full of birds,
so their houses are full of deceit.(C)
Therefore they have grown powerful and rich.
28 They have become fat(D) and sleek.
They have also excelled in evil matters.
They have not taken up cases,
such as the case of the fatherless, so they might prosper,
and they have not defended the rights of the needy.(E)
29 Should I not punish them for these things?
This is the Lord’s declaration.
Should I not avenge myself(F)
on such a nation as this?

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Footnotes

  1. 5:26 Lit hunters of birds
  2. 5:26 Hb obscure

26 “Evil men are found among my people.
    They lie in wait like someone who traps birds.
They set a trap,
    but they do so to catch people.
27 Like a cage full of birds,
    so their houses are filled with treachery.
This is how they have become prominent and rich,
28 and have grown fat and sleek.
There is no limit[a] to their evil deeds.
    They don’t argue the case of the orphan to secure[b] justice.
        They don’t defend the rights of[c] the poor.
29 ‘Should I not punish them for this?’[d]
    asks the Lord.
‘Should I not avenge myself
    on a nation like this?’

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Footnotes

  1. Jeremiah 5:28 Lit. pass over; or transgress
  2. Jeremiah 5:28 Lit. win
  3. Jeremiah 5:28 Lit. judge justly
  4. Jeremiah 5:29 Or punish these people