Jeremiah 2:29-37

29You cannot argue against me. You have all turned against me.’ That is what the Lord says.

30‘When I punished your people, they did not change how they lived. When I sent my prophets to you, you killed them as if you were a hungry lion.’

31Listen to the Lord's message, you people who are alive today: ‘People of Israel, why do you not trust me? Have I become like a desert for you? Have I become a dark and dangerous land for you to live in? No! But you say, “We are free to go where we like. We do not need to serve you any more.”

32A young woman does not forget to wear her jewels. When a woman marries, she does not forget to wear her special dress. But for many years, my people have forgotten me.

33You are very clever. You can always find someone to love. Even prostitutes could learn something from you!

34You have been cruel to poor people for no reason. Your clothes have their blood on them! They had not robbed you, but you still killed them. You have done all these bad things, but still you say,

35“We have not done anything that is wrong. God cannot be angry with us!” Be careful! I will surely punish you, because you say, “I am not guilty of any sin.”

36You try to get help from other nations. You run here and there to make new friends. You hoped for help from Assyria, but no help came. And you will get no help from Egypt either.

37You will come away from Egypt with your hands on your heads. You will be ashamed and upset. The Lord has turned away from those nations. You have trusted them to help you, But you will not receive any help from them.’