Hosea 6:4-6

New International Reader's Version

⁴ The Lord says, “Ephraim, what can I do with you?
    And what can I do with you, Judah?
Your love for me vanishes like the morning mist.
    It soon disappears like the early dew.
⁵ So I used the words of my prophets to cut you in pieces.
    I used my words to put you to death.
    Then my judgments blazed out like the sun.
⁶ I want mercy and not sacrifice.
    I want you to recognize me as God
    instead of bringing me burnt offerings.