² You have put these wicked people here like plants with strong roots.
    They grow and produce fruit.
With their mouths they say that you are near and dear to them,
    but in their hearts they are really far away from you.
³ But you know my heart, Lord.
    You see me and test my mind.
Drag the evil people away like sheep to be killed.
    Choose them for the day of slaughter.
⁴ How much longer will the land be dry?
    How long will the grass be dry and dead?
The birds and the animals of this land have all died,
    and it is the fault of the wicked.
But they are saying,
    “Jeremiah will not live long enough to see what happens to us.”