⁵ Will he retain [his anger] forever? will he keep it to the end? Behold, you have spoken and have done evil things, and have had your way.

¹⁶ For I will not contend forever, neither will I be always angry; for the spirit would faint before me, and the souls who I have made.

¹² Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, you backsliding Israel, says Yahweh; I will not look in anger on you; for I am merciful, says Yahweh, I will not keep [anger] forever.

¹ Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted, the oppressing city!

² She didn't obey the voice. She didn't receive correction. She didn't trust in Yahweh. She didn't draw near to her God.

³ Her princes in the midst of her are roaring lions. Her judges are evening wolves. They leave nothing until the next day.

⁴ Her prophets are arrogant and treacherous people. Her priests have profaned the sanctuary. They have done violence to the law.

⁵ Yahweh, in the midst of her, is righteous. He will do no wrong. Every morning he brings his justice to light. He doesn't fail, but the unjust know no shame.

³ Their hands are on that which is evil to do it diligently. The ruler and judge ask for a bribe; And the powerful man dictates the evil desire of his soul. Thus they conspire together.

¹ Woe to those who devise iniquity And work evil on their beds! When the morning is light, they practice it, Because it is in the power of their hand.

⁶ Behold, the princes of Israel, everyone according to his power, have been in you to shed blood.

⁹ Don't be angry very sore, Yahweh, neither remember iniquity forever: see, look, we beg you, we are all your people.

⁸ Yahweh is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness.

⁹ He will not always accuse; Neither will he stay angry forever.

⁵ Will you be angry with us forever? Will you draw out your anger to all generations?

⁷ "Will the Lord reject us forever? Will he be favorable no more?

⁸ Has his loving kindness vanished forever? Does his promise fail for generations?

⁹ Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he, in anger, withheld his compassion?" Selah.