17 Learn to do good;
Seek justice,
Rebuke¹ the oppressor;
¹Defend the fatherless,
Plead for the widow. ‡

18 “Come now, and let us ^areason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
^bThey shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool. ‡

20 But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword”;
^aFor the mouth of the Lord has spoken. ‡

21 ^aHow the faithful city has become a¹ harlot!
It was full of justice;
Righteousness lodged in it,
But now ^bmurderers. ‡