⁷ The vineyard^(A) of the Lord Almighty
    is the nation of Israel,
and the people of Judah
    are the vines he delighted in.
And he looked for justice,^(B) but saw bloodshed;
    for righteousness,^(C) but heard cries of distress.^(D)

¹⁷ Learn to do right;^(A) seek justice.^(B)
    Defend the oppressed.^[a](C)
Take up the cause of the fatherless;^(D)
    plead the case of the widow.^(E)

² to deprive^(A) the poor of their rights
    and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people,^(B)
making widows their prey
    and robbing the fatherless.^(C)

²¹ those who with a word make someone out to be guilty,
    who ensnare the defender in court^(A)
    and with false testimony^(B) deprive the innocent of justice.^(C)

¹³ rebellion^(A) and treachery against the Lord,
    turning our backs^(B) on our God,
inciting revolt and oppression,^(C)
    uttering lies^(D) our hearts have conceived.
¹⁴ So justice^(E) is driven back,
    and righteousness^(F) stands at a distance;
truth^(G) has stumbled in the streets,
    honesty cannot enter.
¹⁵ Truth^(H) is nowhere to be found,
    and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.

The Lord looked and was displeased
    that there was no justice.^(I)