Justice Will Rule

1A king and his leaders

will rule with justice.

2They will be a place of safety

from stormy winds,

a stream in the desert,

and a rock that gives shade

from the heat of the sun.

3Then everyone who has eyes

will open them and see,

and those who have ears

will pay attention.

4All who are impatient

will take time to think;

everyone who stutters

will talk clearly.

5Fools will no longer

be highly respected,

and crooks won't be given

positions of honor.

6Fools talk foolishness.

They always make plans

to do sinful things,

to lie about the Lord,

to let the hungry starve,

and to keep water from those

who are thirsty.

7Cruel people tell lies—

they do evil things,

and make cruel plans

to destroy the poor and needy,

even when they beg

for justice.

8But helpful people

can always be trusted

to make helpful plans.

Punishment for the Women of Jerusalem

9Listen to what I say,

you women who are carefree

and careless!

10You may not have worries now,

but in about a year,

the grape harvest will fail,

and you will tremble.

11Shake and shudder,

you women without a care!

Strip off your clothes—

put on sackcloth.

12Slap your breasts in sorrow

because of what happened

to the fruitful fields

and vineyards,

13and to the happy homes

in Jerusalem.

The land of my people

is covered with thorns.

14The palace will be deserted,

the crowded city empty.

Fortresses and towers

will forever become

playgrounds for wild donkeys

and pastures for sheep.

God's Spirit Makes the Difference

15When the Spirit is given to us

from heaven,

deserts will become orchards

thick as fertile forests.

16Honesty and justice

will prosper there,

17and justice will produce

lasting peace and security.

18You, the Lord's people,

will live in peace,

calm and secure,

19even if hailstones flatten

forests and cities.

20You will have God's blessing,

as you plant your crops

beside streams,

while your donkeys and cattle

roam freely about.