Isaiah 57

¹ The righteous perish,

² He enters into peace. each one who walks in his uprightness.

³ “ But draw near here, you sons of a sorceress,

⁴ Whom do you mock? Aren’t you children of disobedience

⁵ you who inflame yourselves among the oaks,

⁶ Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion.

⁷ On a high and lofty mountain you have set your bed.

⁸ You have set up your memorial behind the doors and the posts,

⁹ You went to the king with oil,

¹⁰ You were wearied with the length of your ways;

¹¹ “ Whom have you dreaded and feared, Haven’t I held my peace for a long time,

¹² I will declare your righteousness;

¹³ When you cry, let those whom you have gathered deliver you,

¹⁴ He will say, “ Build up, build up, prepare the way!

¹⁵ For the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, “ I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit,

¹⁶ For I will not contend forever, neither will I always be angry;

¹⁷ I was angry because of the iniquity of his covetousness and struck him.

¹⁸ I have seen his ways, and will heal him.

¹⁹ I create the fruit of the lips: says the LORD; “ and I will heal them.”

²⁰ But the wicked are like the troubled sea;

²¹ “ There is no peace ”, says my God, “ for the wicked.”