Isaiah 57:12-17 New Century Version (NCV)

12. I will tell about your ‘goodness’ and what you do,and those things will do you no good.

13. When you cry out for help,let the gods you have gathered help you.The wind will blow them all away;just a puff of wind will take them away.But the person who depends on me will receive the landand own my holy mountain.”

14. Someone will say, “Build a road! Build a road! Prepare the way!Make the way clear for my people.”

15. And this is the reason: God lives forever and is holy.He is high and lifted up.He says, “I live in a high and holy place,but I also live with people who are sad and humble.I give new life to those who are humbleand to those whose hearts are broken.

16. I will not accuse forever,nor will I always be angry,because then human life would grow weak.Human beings, whom I created, would die.

17. I was angry because they were dishonest in order to make money.I punished them and turned away from them in anger,but they continued to do evil.

Isaiah 57