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Micah Is Upset at the Evil People Do

I am upset because I am like fruit that has been gathered,
    like grapes that have already been picked.
There are no grapes left to eat.
    There are none of the early figs that I love.
By this I mean that all the faithful people are gone.
    There are no good people left.
Everyone is planning to kill someone.
    Everyone is trying to trap their brother.
People are good at doing bad things with both hands.
    Officials ask for bribes.
Judges take money to change their decisions in court.
    “Important leaders” do whatever they want to do.

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Israel’s Misery

What misery is mine!
I am like one who gathers summer fruit
    at the gleaning of the vineyard;
there is no cluster of grapes to eat,
    none of the early figs(A) that I crave.
The faithful have been swept from the land;(B)
    not one(C) upright person remains.
Everyone lies in wait(D) to shed blood;(E)
    they hunt each other(F) with nets.(G)
Both hands are skilled in doing evil;(H)
    the ruler demands gifts,
the judge accepts bribes,(I)
    the powerful dictate what they desire—
    they all conspire together.

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