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23 (A)Do I find pleasure in the death of the wicked—oracle of the Lord God? Do I not rejoice when they turn from their evil way and live?

24 And if the just turn from justice and do evil, like all the abominations the wicked do, can they do this evil and still live? None of the justice they did shall be remembered, because they acted treacherously and committed these sins; because of this, they shall die.(B) 25 (C)You say, “The Lord’s way is not fair!”[a] Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair? Are not your ways unfair?

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Footnotes

  1. 18:25 The Lord’s way is not fair: this chapter rejects the idea that punishment is transferred from one generation to the next and emphasizes individual responsibility and accountability.

23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased(A) when they turn from their ways and live?(B)

24 “But if a righteous person turns(C) from their righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked person does, will they live? None of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness(D) they are guilty of and because of the sins they have committed, they will die.(E)

25 “Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’(F) Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust?(G) Is it not your ways that are unjust?

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