12For I know how manifold are your transgressions, and how mighty are your sins-you who afflict the just, who take a bribe, and who turn aside the needy in the gate [from their right].
13Therefore he who is prudent shall keep silence in such a time; for it is an evil time.
14Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so Yahweh, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you say.
15Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish justice in the gate: it may be that Yahweh, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
16Therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of hosts, the Lord: Wailing shall be in all the broad ways; and they shall say in all the streets, Alas! Alas! and they shall call the farmer to mourning, and such as are skillful in lamentation to wailing.
17In all vineyards shall be wailing; for I will pass through the midst of you, says Yahweh.
18Woe to you who desire the day of Yahweh! Why would you have the day of Yahweh? It is darkness, and not light.
