1. I wish that my eyeswere fountains of tears,so I could cry day and nightfor my peoplewho were killed.
2. I wish I could go into the desertand find a hiding placefrom all who are treacherousand unfaithful to God.
3. The Lord replied:Lies come from the mouthsof my people,like arrows from a bow.With each dishonest deedtheir power increases,and not one of them will admitthat I am God.
4. Jeremiah, all your friendsand relativestell lies about you,so don't trust them.
5. They wear themselves out,always looking for a new wayto cheat their friends.
6. Everyone takes advantageof everyone else,and no one will admitthat I am God.
7. And so I will purifythe hearts of my peoplejust as gold is purifiedin a furnace.I have no other choice.
25-26. Some day I will punish the nations of Egypt, Edom, Ammon, and Moab, and the tribes of the desert. The men of these nations are circumcised, but they don't worship me. And it's the same with you people of Judah. Your bodies are circumcised, but your hearts are unchanged.