Isaiah

¹ See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice.

² and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.

³ and the ears of those who hear will listen.

⁴ and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear.

⁵ nor the scoundrel be highly respected.

⁶ his mind is busy with evil: He practices ungodliness and spreads error concerning the Lord; the hungry he leaves empty and from the thirsty he withholds water.

⁷ he makes up evil schemes to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just.

⁸ and by noble deeds he stands.

⁹ You women who are so complacent, rise up and listen to me; you daughters who feel secure, hear what I have to say!

¹⁰ you who feel secure will tremble; the grape harvest will fail, and the harvest of fruit will not come.

¹¹ shudder, you daughters who feel secure! Strip off your clothes, put sackcloth around your waists.

¹² for the fruitful vines

¹³ a land overgrown with thorns and briers— yes, mourn for all houses of merriment and for this city of revelry.

¹⁴ the noisy city deserted; citadel and watchtower will become a wasteland forever, the delight of donkeys, a pasture for flocks,

¹⁵ and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest.

¹⁶ and righteousness live in the fertile field.

¹⁷ the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

¹⁸ in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.

¹⁹ and the city is leveled completely,

²⁰ sowing your seed by every stream, and letting your cattle and donkeys range free.