Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?

Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them?

For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.

For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?

They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.

And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.

Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.

Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

And to speak unto the priests which were in the house of the LORD of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?

Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?

Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.