Jeremiah 12:2
Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins. Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.
The wicked are pictured as planted, taking root, growing and even bringing forth fruit, so that they prosper and look firmly established. They carry God near in the mouth while He remains far from the reins, speaking of Him and professing nearness while the heart stays distant and the inward thoughts and affections remain far from Him. In its setting this exposes the idolatry of Israel and shows that outward forms of worship bring no benefit to the ungodly.
The verse stands among the prophecies extending from Jeremiah 3 to Jeremiah 21. The meaning of those prophecies stands out clearly in awful denunciation against sin. It is likewise clear in sorrow of heart over the people's transgression. It is clear also in most touching appeals to return to God, appeals met by utter lack of response from the mass of the people.