Jeremiah 5:6-9, 25-31

Therefore, a lion from the forest will attack them, and a desert wolf will ravage them. A leopard is prowling around their cities, waiting to tear those apart who venture out. For the people are rebellious; they’ve sinned repeatedly. “On what basis can I forgive you? Your children have forsaken me and sworn by gods that are not real. Even though I satisfied my people to the full, they committed adultery, beating a path to a whorehouse. They’re like well-fed stallions lusting for mares; each man ‘neighs’ with lust after his neighbor’s wife. Because of these things, will I not hold my people accountable? Am I not justified to punish a nation such as this? I, YAHWEH, have spoken.”

The guilt of your sins has upset nature’s order and withheld my blessings from you. Your sins have kept these good things from you!’ ” “Lurking among my people are wicked criminals. They are like hunters hiding to catch birds in their nets, setting their traps to catch people. Like cages full of captured birds, they fill their houses with lies and deceit. This is how they have become rich and powerful, fat and prosperous. Indeed, their wickedness knows no bounds. There is no true justice in their judgments— they neither stand up for the rights of the orphans, nor help the needy receive their fair portion. I, YAHWEH, promise to hold them accountable for these things. I will be justified to punish a nation such as this. “A shocking and horrible thing has happened in the land. The prophets prophesy lies, and the priests lead out of their own self-interest. And my people love it that way. But what will they do when judgment comes?”