Jeremiah 6:16-21

16The Lord said to his people, ‘Stand at the place where the roads cross, and look carefully. Ask where the ways of your ancestors are. Find the good way, and go along that way. Then you will live in peace.’ But the people said, ‘No, we will not go that way. ’

17The Lord said, ‘I sent my prophets to warn you of danger. They said, “Listen for the noise of the trumpet! That will tell you when danger is near.” But you said, “We do not want to listen.”

18So listen to me, all you nations. Look carefully! See what will happen to my people.

19Hear me, all people on the earth. I will cause great trouble for my people. I will punish them as a result of their wrong thoughts. They have not listened to my messages. They have turned against my law.

20They may offer to me sweet incense that comes from Sheba. But that does not please me. The spices that they bring from lands far away do not please me either. I will not accept the burnt offerings or other sacrifices that they offer to me.’

21So this is what the Lord says: ‘I will send troubles to make these people fall down. Fathers and their children will all fall to the ground. Their friends and their neighbours will die.’