Jeremiah 5:26-28

God will not tolerate man’s greed and inhumanity forever. He will teach us the results of not caring for those who cannot care for themselves.

Those responsible for the welfare of the whole populace had abused their positions by exploiting the lesser elements of Israelite society. The picture presented is one of birds, or the poor, being ensnared by great men who were building wealth at the expense of orphans and the needy.

Jeremiah 5:26-28

For among My people are found wicked men;

 They lie in wait as one who sets snares;

 They set a trap;

 They catch men.

27 As a cage is full of birds,

 So their houses are full of deceit.

 Therefore they have become great and grown rich.

28 They have grown fat, they are sleek;

 Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked;

 They do not plead the cause,

 The cause of the fatherless;

 Yet they prosper,

 And the right of the needy they do not defend.