Isaiah 57:13

For Isaiah’s opinion about people who are foolish enough to love *idols, see Isaiah 44:9-20.

God helps those who trust him

v14 The *Lord gives the command: ‘Repair the road! Remove the rocks and stones! Prepare the way for my people’s return from foreign countries.’ v15 The high and holy God, who lives for always, says this: ‘I live in the high and holy place where those with humble spirits also have a home. I will fill their hearts with courage and with new hope for the future. v16 I will not always accuse nor continue to be angry. Otherwise people could not remain alive. But these are the people to whom I gave life! v17 I was angry with them because of their evil behaviour and greedy practices. So I punished them. Then I left them totally. But still they continued to follow their own desires.

v18 I have seen how they have been living. But I am ready to cure them. I will lead them and I will help them. And I will comfort those among my people who are sorry for their behaviour. v19 I offer them the opportunity to have a calm and quiet heart. It is for all who are near. And it is for all who are far away. I will cure them. v20 But this is not for those who decide to continue their wicked behaviour. Such people are like the angry (strong) waves of the sea that continuously stir up rubbish and dirt.’ v21 The *Lord declares that a quiet heart will never be theirs.