4. This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all those who were taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon:
5. Build houses, and live in them. Plant gardens, and eat what they produce.
6. Get married, and have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons, and let your daughters get married so that they can have sons and daughters. Grow in number there; don’t decrease.
7. Work for the good of the city where I’ve taken you as captives, and pray to the Lord for that city. When it prospers, you will also prosper.
8. This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Don’t let the prophets or the mediums who are among you trick you. Don’t even listen to your own dreams.
9. These people are prophesying lies to you in my name. I didn’t send them, declares the Lord.