14 But listen, suppose he has a son, and his son sees all the sins that his father’s committed, and though he sees them, he doesn’t do those things. 15 He hasn’t eaten at the hilltop shrines, and hasn’t requested help from the Israeli people’s idols, and hasn’t slept with someone else’s wife, 16 he doesn’t oppress anyone, or keep things given as a pledge, or accept stolen things, but instead gives his food to the hungry and gives clothes to those without them, 17 he’s turned his back on crime, and doesn’t charge high interest, he follows my instructions and obeys my regulations—he won’t die for his father’s evil actions, but he’ll certainly live. 18 His father, since he oppressed others by extortion and robbed people, and did evil things among his people—listen, he’ll die in his sin.

19 But you people ask, ‘Why doesn’t the son also have to pay the cost for his family’s crimes?’ Well it’s because the son promotes justice and godliness and follows all my instructions. He’ll definitely live. 20 The one who sins is the one who’ll die. The children won’t have to be responsible for their parents’ sin, and the parents won’t be responsible for their children’s sins—the righteousness of those who act rightly will be on themselves, and the wickedness of the wicked will be on themselves.[ref]