¹⁵ the elders^(A) and dignitaries^(B) are the head,
    the prophets^(C) who teach lies^(D) are the tail.

¹⁷ Therefore the Lord will take no pleasure in the young men,^(A)
    nor will he pity^(B) the fatherless and widows,
for everyone is ungodly^(C) and wicked,^(D)
    every mouth speaks folly.^(E)

Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
    his hand is still upraised.^(F)

¹⁵ You boast, “We have entered into a covenant with death,^(A)
    with the realm of the dead we have made an agreement.
When an overwhelming scourge sweeps by,^(B)
    it cannot touch us,
for we have made a lie^(C) our refuge
    and falsehood^[a] our hiding place.^(D)”

⁹ For these are rebellious^(A) people, deceitful^(B) children,
    children unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction.^(C)