Jeremiah 17:9-17

There is nothing more deceitful than the heart of man; who can understand it? Man’s heart is sick, in need of healing. “I, YAHWEH, probe the heart, and I thoroughly test the inner being to give to all people what they deserve according to their ways and based on their deeds.” Go ahead and cheat others dishonestly, but by mid-life, everything you’ve gained will fly away, like birds hatched from stolen eggs. You will be proven a fool in the end. Our sacred sanctuary is a throne radiating the glory of YAHWEH. YAHWEH, you are the only hope of Israel! All who forsake you will be covered with shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dirt. To forsake you, YAHWEH, is to forsake the fountain of living waters. YAHWEH, you alone are my praise. Heal me, and I will be perfectly healed; save me, and I will be completely saved. Listen to what the people keep saying to me: “Where is the word of YAHWEH? Let it come to pass!” But I have not stopped running after you and being a true shepherd. Nor have I secretly longed for the day of disaster. You know every word my lips have spoken, for they were spoken in your presence. Do not cause me disappointment. You are my safe place in a day of calamity.