Isaiah 58

Yell at the top of your lungs.
Scream this message like you’re blowing a ram’s horn.
Tell my people about their sins.
Spell it out for them, those descendants of Jacob.
2Sure enough, they worship me every day.
They act eager to learn my laws.
They think they’re a good nation,
A group of people devoted to doing what’s right
And to staying on good terms with me. [1]

They ask,
“Why bother fasting if you don’t notice us, Lord?
Why skip meals to pray if you’re not paying attention?”
I see you fasting—while going about your usual business.
You multitask: you fast while exploiting your workers. [2]
4You fast while you argue and fight.
And you’ve got a mean punch.
Fasting while punching is not kosher.
And prayers like that go nowhere.
5Do you think a fast means starving yourself?
Or bowing low as a bush,
While dressed in a feed sack
And throwing ashes on your head?
You call that a legitimate fast?
6Here’s the fast I want to see.

• Get rid of injustice.
  
• Stop exploiting your people.
  
• Free hostages you’re holding in your grip.
  

• Welcome the homeless into your homes.
  
• Give your clothes to those who need it.
  
• Help people in your own family.

If you do that, a new day will dawn.
That will fix your nation. And it won’t take long.
The LORD will lead you and defend your goodness.
And the glorious LORD will cover your back.
9When you call on the LORD in a prayer, he’ll answer.
When you cry out, he’ll say, “I’m here.”
Stop exploiting your people.
Stop belittling them with lies.
10Show compassion to the hungry.
Feed them all they can eat.
Do that, and your little light will shine through the darkness.
You’ll turn the bleakest days bright as noon.
11The LORD will guide you throughout your life.
When you hit dry patches, you’ll find water.
You’ll find the strength to carry you through.
You’ll stay fit as a garden by a natural spring.
And you’ll always have just what you need.
12Builders among you will rebuild your ruins.
They’ll restore foundations laid long ago.
You’ll become famous as restoration experts,
Builders of walls and houses and roads.

Stop treating the Sabbath like just another day.
Don’t do business on the day I set aside as holy.
Make it a happy day devoted to the LORD.
Show it some respect by not doing business.
14If you can manage this, then ask the LORD to bless you.
He’ll take you to the mountaintops.
And he’ll give you all the great things he promised your people. [3]
What you just heard came from the mouth of the LORD.
Share your food with hungry folks.