The LORD looks down from heaven and sees all of us humans.

From where he rules, he looks down on all who live on earth.

The LORD looked down from his holy place on high, he looked down from heaven to earth.

He heard the groans of prisoners and set free those who were condemned to die.

God looked at the world and saw that it was evil, for the people were all living evil lives.

Then the LORD came down to see the city and the tower which they had built,

I must go down to find out whether or not the accusations which I have heard are true."

LORD, look upon us from heaven, where you live in your holiness and glory. Where is your great concern for us? Where is your power? Where are your love and compassion? Do not ignore us.

Why don't you tear the sky open and come down? The mountains would see you and shake with fear.

Until the LORD looks down from heaven and sees us.

"How ignorant you are! How stupid! You are completely corrupt, and justice has disappeared from the world.

May those who are wise think about these things; may they consider the LORD's constant love.

If you listen to me, you will know what is right, just, and fair. You will know what you should do.

Are you immature? Learn to be mature. Are you foolish? Learn to have sense.

"Come in, ignorant people!" And to the foolish she says,

"Come in, ignorant people!" To the foolish she says,

The branches of the trees are withered and broken, and women gather them for firewood. Because the people have understood nothing, God their Creator will not pity them or show them any mercy.

The LORD says, "My people are stupid; they don't know me. They are like foolish children; they have no understanding. They are experts at doing what is evil, but failures at doing what is good."

Many people will be purified. Those who are wicked will not understand but will go on being wicked; only those who are wise will understand.

because their minds are dull, and they have stopped up their ears and have closed their eyes. Otherwise, their eyes would see, their ears would hear, their minds would understand, and they would turn to me, says God, and I would heal them.'

no one who is wise or who worships God.

When the oppressed see this, they will be glad; those who worship God will be encouraged.

But even so, there is some good in you. You have removed all the symbols of the goddess Asherah which people worshiped, and you have tried to follow God's will."

"O LORD, the God of our ancestors, in your goodness forgive those who are worshiping you with all their heart, even though they are not ritually clean."

But people will tell you to ask for messages from fortunetellers and mediums, who chirp and mutter. They will say, "After all, people should ask for messages from the spirits and consult the dead on behalf of the living."

Turn to the LORD and pray to him, now that he is near.

No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him.