Isaiah 1:17-23

17Instead, learn to do what is right. Be honest and fair in what you do. Help people who are in pain. Make sure that widows and children who have no family receive justice.’

18The Lord says, ‘Please come, so that we talk about this together. Even if your sins are like a red stain, they will become as white as snow. Even if they are bright red, they will become like white wool.

19I will forgive you if you agree to obey me. If you are ready to do that, you will again eat plenty of good food from the land.

20But if you refuse to obey me and you turn against me, you will die in war.’ That is what the Lord himself has said.

21Oh! Jerusalem! Once you loved the Lord, as a wife loves her husband. But now you have become like a prostitute! At one time, the city was full of justice, and honest people lived there. But now the city is full of murderers!

22Your pure silver has become dirt. You have mixed water with your best wine.

23Your rulers have turned against God. They are friends of robbers. They all accept bribes and they love to receive gifts. But they do not help widows or children who have no family. They do not make sure that they receive justice.