Blessings in store for the faithful

14 O raise, raise a highway, and clear you a path,

take the stumbling-blocks out of the way of my people.

15 For thus says he who is high and exalted,

whose throne is for ever, whose name is holy:

‘On high as the Holy One sit I enthroned,

and with him who is crushed, who is lowly in spirit;

to quicken the spirit of them who are lowly,

and the heart of all such as crushed to revive.

16 For not for ever will I contend,

nor cherish my anger evermore;

for then would the spirits faint before me,

the souls that I myself have made.

17 Because of his sin I was worth for a moment,

I smote him in anger and hid my face:

but he kept to the way of his rebel heart –

18 I have noted his ways,’ says the Lord.

‘But now will I bring to him healing and rest,

and requite him with full consolation.

19 The lips of his mourners will blossom with praise,

when to far and to near I bring peace and prosperity,

whose waters cast up mire and dirt.’

21 So peace there is none, says my God, to the wicked.