Isaiah 32

1 Look, a righteous king will reign, and rulers will govern with judgment.

2 A man will hide his words and be concealed as though from rushing water, yet he will appear in Zion like a rushing river, glorious in a thirsty land.

3 They will no longer trust in people but will turn their ears to listen.

4 The hearts of the weak will pay attention, and stammering tongues will quickly learn to speak peace.

5 They will no longer tell a fool to rule, and your servants will no longer say, ‘Be silent.’

6 The fool will speak foolish words and think about empty things, practicing lawless deeds and speaking error against the Lord, scattering hungry souls and leaving thirsty souls empty.

7 Evil people plan lawlessness, destroying the poor with unjust words and ruining the poor person’s case in judgment.

8 But devout people made wise plans, and this counsel will stand.

9 Rise, rich women, and listen to my voice. Confident daughters, pay attention to my words.

10 Remember a complete year of pain, yet with hope. The grape harvest is gone; the sowing has stopped and will never come again.

11 Be amazed and grieve, you confident women. Strip yourselves, uncover yourselves, and tie sackcloth around your waists.

12 Beat your chests because of the pleasant field and the vine’s fruit.

13 Thorns and grass will cover my people’s land, and joy will disappear from every house.

14 The wealthy city’s houses are deserted. People will abandon the city’s wealth and pleasant homes. Its villages will become caves forever, a joy for wild donkeys and pasture for shepherds,

15 until the Spirit comes on you from above. Carmel will become a desert, and Carmel will be regarded as a forest.

16 Then judgment will live in the wilderness, and righteousness in Carmel.

17 The works of righteousness will produce peace. Righteousness will ensure rest, and righteous people will remain confident forever.

18 His people will live in a city of peace, dwell there confidently, and rest with wealth.

19 Even if hail falls, it will not fall on you. Those living in forests will be as confident as people in the plain.

20 Blessed are those who sow beside every water where ox and donkey walk.