Isaiah 57

1The righteous one perishes, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous one is taken away from the evil to come.

2He enters into peace; they rest on their beds, those who walk uprightly.

3But you—come here, you children of a sorceress, offspring of an adulterer and a prostitute!

4Whom are you mocking? At whom do you open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of rebellion, offspring of deceit,

5you who burn with lust among the oaks, under every green tree, who slaughter children in the ravines, under the clefts of the rocks?

6Among the smooth stones of the ravine is your portion; they, they are your lot. To them you have poured out drink offerings and brought grain offerings. Should I relent because of these things?

7On a high and lofty mountain you have set your bed; there too you went up to offer sacrifice.

8Behind the door and the doorpost you have set up your sign. For you deserted me and uncovered your bed; you climbed onto it and made it wide. You made a bargain for yourself with them; you loved their bed; you gazed on their nakedness.

9You went to the king with oil and multiplied your perfumes; you sent your envoys far away, and sent them down even to Sheol.

10You were wearied by your many journeys, but you did not say, “It is hopeless.” You found new strength, so you did not grow faint.

11Whom did you dread and fear, that you lied, and did not remember me or give me a thought? Is it not because I have kept silent, and for a long time, that you do not fear me?

12I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not help you.

13When you cry out, let your collection of idols save you! The wind will carry them all off; a breath will take them away. But whoever takes refuge in me will possess the land and inherit my holy mountain.

14And it will be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove every obstacle from my people’s way.”

15For this is what the high and exalted One says, who lives forever, whose name is Holy: I live in the high and holy place, and also with the one who is crushed and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the crushed.

16For I will not accuse forever, nor will I always be angry; for then the spirit would grow faint before me, the very lives that I have made.

17Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry; I struck him; I hid my face and was angry. But he kept on turning away, following the way of his own heart.

18I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and to those who mourn for him,

19creating the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace, to the far and to the near, says Yahweh, and I will heal him.

20But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot be still; its waters toss up mire and mud.

21There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked.