Isaiah 57

1 The righteous perishes, and no man lays it to heart; and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil.NHEB — Isaiah 57:1

2 He enters into peace; they rest in their beds, each one who walks in his uprightness.NHEB — Isaiah 57:2

3 "But draw near here, you sons of the sorceress, offspring of an adulterer and a prostitute.NHEB — Isaiah 57:3

4 Against whom are you mocking? Against whom do you make a wide mouth, and stick out your tongue? Aren't you children of rebellion, offspring of liars,NHEB — Isaiah 57:4

5 you who inflame yourselves among the oaks, under every green tree; who kill the children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?NHEB — Isaiah 57:5

6 Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion; they, they are your lot; you have even poured a drink offering to them. You have offered an offering. Shall I be appeased for these things?NHEB — Isaiah 57:6

7 On a high and lofty mountain you have set your bed; there also you went up to offer sacrifice.NHEB — Isaiah 57:7

8 Behind the doors and the posts you have set up your memorial: for you have uncovered to someone besides me, and have gone up; you have enlarged your bed, and made you a covenant with them: you loved their bed where you saw it.NHEB — Isaiah 57:8

9 You went to the king with oil, and increased your perfumes, and sent your ambassadors far off, and debased yourself even to Sheol.NHEB — Isaiah 57:9

10 You were wearied with the length of your way; yet you did not say, 'It is in vain.' You found a reviving of your strength; therefore you weren't faint.NHEB — Isaiah 57:10

11 "Of whom have you been afraid and in fear, that you lie, and have not remembered me, nor laid it to your heart? Haven't I held my peace even of long time, and you do not fear me?NHEB — Isaiah 57:11

12 I will declare your righteousness; and as for your works, they shall not profit you.NHEB — Isaiah 57:12

13 When you cry, let those who you have gathered deliver you; but the wind shall take them, a breath shall carry them all away: but he who takes refuge in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain."NHEB — Isaiah 57:13

14 He will say, "Build up, build up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling-block out of the way of my people."NHEB — Isaiah 57:14

15 For thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.NHEB — Isaiah 57:15

16 For I will not contend forever, neither will I be always angry; for the spirit would faint before me, and the souls who I have made.NHEB — Isaiah 57:16

17 For the iniquity of his covetousness was I angry, and struck him; I hid myself and was angry; and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart.NHEB — Isaiah 57:17

18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts to him and to his mourners.NHEB — Isaiah 57:18

19 I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace, to him who is far off and to him who is near," says the LORD; "and I will heal him."NHEB — Isaiah 57:19

20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it can't rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt.NHEB — Isaiah 57:20

21 "There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."NHEB — Isaiah 57:21