Isaiah 1:17-22

¹⁷Learn to do good; strive for justice, condemn those who oppress others; support the rights of orphans, take up cases to defend widows.

¹⁸Come on, let's argue this out, says the Lord. Even though your sins are like scarlet, they will become white like snow. Even though they are red like crimson, they will become like wool.

¹⁹If you really want this, and if you do as you're told, then you yourselves will eat the best things that the land produces.

²⁰But if you are defiant, and if you are rebellious, you'll be killed by the sword. This is what the Lord has declared!

²¹The city that used to be faithful has turned into a prostitute! Once she operated on principles of justice and followed what was right, but now only murderers live there.

²²Your silver has become worthless waste; you wine has been watered down.