⁴ So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, didn't obey the voice of Yahweh, to dwell in the land of Judah.

⁵ Then they said to Jeremiah, Yahweh be a true and faithful witness among us, if we don't do according to all the word with which Yahweh your God shall send you to us.

⁶ Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of Yahweh our God, to whom we send you; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of Yahweh our God.

¹⁶ It happened, as he talked with him, that [the king] said to him, Have we made you of the king's counsel? Stop! Why should you be struck down? Then the prophet stopped, and said, I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this, and have not listened to my counsel.

³ Trust in Yahweh, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture.

⁵ But they didn't listen, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense to other gods.

¹⁶ Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

¹⁰ If you will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up; for I repent me of the evil that I have done to you.

¹¹ Don't be afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid; don't be afraid of him, says Yahweh: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.

¹² I will grant you mercy, that he may have mercy on you, and cause you to return to your own land.

¹³ But if you say, We will not dwell in this land; so that you don't obey the voice of Yahweh your God,