14
God says, “Rebuild the road!
Clear away the rocks and stones
so my people can return from captivity.”
15
The high and lofty one who lives in eternity,
the Holy One, says this:
“I live in the high and holy place
with those whose spirits are contrite and humble.
I restore the crushed spirit of the humble
and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.
16
For I will not fight against you forever;
I will not always be angry.
If I were, all people would pass away -
all the souls I have made.
17
I was angry,
so I punished these greedy people.
I withdrew from them,
but they kept going on their own stubborn way.
18
I have seen what they do,
but I will heal them anyway!
I will lead them.
I will comfort those who mourn,
19
bringing words of praise to their lips.
May they have abundant peace, both near and far,”
says the Lord , who heals them.
20
“But those who still reject me are like the restless sea,
which is never still
but continually churns up mud and dirt.
21
There is no peace for the wicked,”
says my God.