1I will stand at my watch, and station myself upon the tower, and will watch to see what the LORD will say in answer to my complaint. 2And the LORD answered me, and said, “Write the vision, and make it plain upon the tables, so that one who reads it can run and carry the message. 3For this vision is for an appointed future time; and though it may seem slow in coming, it shall prove true; though it may be delayed, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not fail.”

4“Look at the proud enemy (the Babylonian invaders) – his intent is not for good; but the just shall live by faithfulness to God. 5Indeed, wine betrays him, he is arrogant and as greedy as the grave, and like death, is never satisfied; he is greedy as he conquers other nations, and gathers captives to himself: 6Shall they not all ridicule and taunt him with scornful proverbs, such as, ‘Woe to him that seizes and hordes what is not his! How long before someone ends your abuse? 7Shall they not awake, rise suddenly and take vengeance upon you; and your ill-gotten gain shall be looted by them? 8Because you Babylonians have plundered many nations, all the rest of the people shall retaliate against you; because of innocent men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all those that dwell there. 9Woe to him that covets and enlarges his house, and sets his nest on high, beyond the reach of danger! 10You have plotted the ruin of many people, and brought shame to your house; by your evil deeds you have sinned and forfeited your own life. 11For the stones of the wall shall cry out, and the beam of the timber shall echo it. 12Woe to him who builds a town with bloodshed, and establishes a city by injustice!’ 13Has not the LORD Almighty determined that the fruit of peoples’ labor is only fuel for the fire, and the nations shall weary themselves for nothing? 14For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. 15Woe to him who gives his neighbor drink from his wineskin until he is drunk, so that you may take advantage of him! 16You are filled with shame instead of glory; but soon it will be your turn to be on the receiving end, when the cup of the LORD's right hand shall be coming around to you, and all your glory shall be turned to shame. 17For the violence you have done to Lebanon shall overwhelm you; you have frightened and killed many wild animals, and have shed men's blood, committing violence in the land, its towns, and on all that dwell there. 18Of what value are the images carved by a man; or the molten images of one who teaches lies, to cause people to trust in them or other dumb idols? 19Woe to him that says to wood, ‘Come to life!’; or to the dumb stone, ‘Arise, give me guidance!’ They are overlaid with gold and silver, but there is no breath of life within them. 20The LORD is in His holy Temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him.”