He will not cry out or shout; he will not publicize himself in the streets.

You see many things, but don’t comprehend; their ears are open, but do not hear.”

There you will worship gods made by human hands – wood and stone that can neither see, hear, eat, nor smell.

or associate with these nations that remain near you. You must not invoke or make solemn declarations by the names of their gods! You must not worship or bow down to them!

The Lord made an agreement with them and instructed them, “You must not worship other gods. Do not bow down to them, serve them, or offer sacrifices to them.

None tire or stumble, they don’t stop to nap or sleep. They don’t loosen their belts, or unstrap their sandals to rest.

But they did not listen to me or pay any attention to me. They followed the stubborn inclinations of their own wicked hearts. They acted worse and worse instead of better.

Rich and poor alike will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned. People will not cut their bodies or shave off their hair to show their grief for them.

I will install rulers over them who will care for them. Then they will no longer need to fear or be terrified. None of them will turn up missing. I, the Lord, promise it!

Violence has grown into a staff that supports wickedness. Not one of them will be left – not from their crowd, not from their wealth, not from their prominence.

You will plant crops, but will not harvest them; you will squeeze oil from the olives, but you will have no oil to rub on your bodies; you will squeeze juice from the grapes, but you will have no wine to drink.

Then you came back and wept before the Lord, but he paid no attention to you whatsoever.

They replied, “You have not wronged us or oppressed us. You have not taken anything from the hand of anyone.”

He leans against his house but it does not hold up, he takes hold of it but it does not stand.

If he passes by me, I cannot see him, if he goes by, I cannot perceive him.

If he tears down, it cannot be rebuilt; if he imprisons a person, there is no escape.

so man lies down and does not rise; until the heavens are no more, they will not awake nor arise from their sleep.

He will not grow rich, and his wealth will not endure, nor will his possessions spread over the land.

“Yes, God is great – beyond our knowledge! The number of his years is unsearchable.

My God, I cry out during the day, but you do not answer, and during the night my prayers do not let up.