GodsWord - Isaiah - 57

57:1  Righteous people die, and no one cares. Loyal people are taken away, and no one understands. Righteous people are spared when evil comes.

57:2  When peace comes, everyone who has lived honestly will rest on his own bed.

57:3  But you--come here, you children of witches, you descendants of adulterers and prostitutes!

57:4  Whom are you making fun of? Whom are you making a face at? Whom are you sticking out your tongue at? Aren't you rebellious children, descendants of liars?

57:5  You burn with lust under oak trees and under every large tree. You slaughter children in the valleys and under the cracks in the rocks.

57:6  Your idols are among the smooth stones in the ravine. They are your destiny. You have given them wine offerings and sacrificed grain offerings to them. Do you think I am pleased with all this?

57:7  You've made your bed on a high and lofty mountain. You've gone to offer sacrifices there.

57:8  You've set up your idols beside doors and doorposts. You've uncovered yourself to the idols. You've distanced yourself from me. You've made your bed with them. You've made a deal with those you have pleasure with in bed. You've seen them naked.

57:9  You've journeyed to the king with perfumed oils and put on plenty of perfume. You've sent your ambassadors far away and sent them down to Sheol.

57:10  You've tired yourself out with many journeys. You didn't think that it was hopeless. You've found renewed strength, so you didn't faint.

57:11  Whom did you dread and fear so much that you lied to me? You haven't remembered me or cared about me. I've been silent for a long time. Is that why you don't fear me?

57:12  I'll tell you about your righteous ways and what you have done, but they won't help you.

57:13  When you cry for help, let your collection of idols save you. A wind will carry them all away. A breath will take them away. But whoever trusts me will possess the land and inherit my holy mountain.

57:14  It will be said: "Build a road! Build a road! Prepare the way! Remove every obstacle in the way of my people!"

57:15  The High and Lofty One lives forever, and his name is holy. This is what he says: I live in a high and holy place. But I am with those who are crushed and humble. I will renew the spirit of those who are humble and the courage of those who are crushed.

57:16  I will not accuse you forever. I will not be angry with you forever. Otherwise, the spirits, the lives of those I've made, would grow faint in my presence.

57:17  I was angry because of their sinful greed, so I punished them, hid from them, and remained angry. But they continued to be sinful.

57:18  I've seen their sinful ways, but I'll heal them. I'll guide them and give them rest. I'll comfort them and their mourners.

57:19  I'll create praise on their lips: "Perfect peace to those both far and near." "I'll heal them," says the LORD.

57:20  But the wicked are like the churning sea. It isn't quiet, and its water throws up mud and slime.

57:21  "There is no peace for the wicked," says my God.