THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

 

Isaiah Chapter 32

1 ¶ Behold, a king will reign righteously, and princes will rule justly.

2 Then each will be like a shelter from the wind, and a place to hide from the tempest; like streams of water in a dry place, and the shade of a great rock in a parched land.

3 Then the eyes of those who can see will not be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen.

4 Then the heart of the rash will understand knowledge, and the tongue of those who stammer will be ready to speak plainly.

5 The vile person will no longer be called liberal, or the scoundrel said to be honorable.

6 For a vile person talks like one, and his mind plans evil, practicing hypocrisy, and uttering error against the LORD, leaving the soul of the hungry empty, and the thirsty without drink.

7 The tricks of the villain are evil: he makes wicked plans to ruin the poor with lies, even when the poor man’s cause is just.

8 But the generous man makes generous plans; and stands for what is praiseworthy.

9 ¶ Rise up, you women who are at ease; listen to what I say, you careless daughters; pay attention to my words.

10 In little more than a year you will be wracked with anxiety, you careless women: for the grape harvest will fail, no fruit will be gathered.

11 Tremble, you women who are at ease; be troubled, you careless ones: remove your clothes, and cover your bodies with sackcloth.

12 Beat your breasts, as you mourn for the pleasant fields, and the fruitful vines.

13 For the land of my people where thorns and briers will grow; for all the joyful houses in the joyful city:

14 Because the palace will be forsaken; the populous city will be deserted; the citadel and watchtower will become a bare hill for a long time, a delight for wild donkeys, and a pasture for flocks;

15 Until the spirit is poured on us from on high, and the desert becomes an orchard, and the orchard is regarded as a forest.

16 Then justice will live in the desert, and righteousness will find a home in the fruitful field.

17 And the product of righteousness will be peace; and the effect of righteousness will be tranquil assurance for ever.

18 And my people will live in a peaceful place, in safe homes and quiet places of rest;

19 Even when hail cuts down the forest; and the city sinks down very low.

20 You will be happy, sowing your seed beside every body of water, and letting the feet of the oxen and burros roam freely.