Jeremiah 6:27-29

New International Reader's Version

²⁷ The Lord says to me, “I have made you like one who tests metals.
    My people are the ore.
I want you to watch them
    and test the way they live.
²⁸ All of them are used to disobeying me.
    They go around telling lies about others.
They are like bronze mixed with iron.
    All of them do very sinful things.
²⁹ The fire is made very hot
    so the lead will burn away.
But it is impossible to make these people pure.
    Those who are evil are not removed.