4. The earth dries up and withers; the whole world grows weak; both earth and sky decay.
5. The people have defiled the earth by breaking God's laws and by violating the covenant he made to last for ever.
6. So God has pronounced a curse on the earth. Its people are paying for what they have done. Fewer and fewer remain alive.
7. The grapevines wither, and wine is becoming scarce. Everyone who was once happy is now sad,
8. and the joyful music of their harps and drums has ceased.