¹¹ If a snake bites before you charm it,
    what’s the use of being a snake charmer?

¹⁷ I will send these enemy troops among you
    like poisonous snakes you cannot charm.
They will bite you, and you will die.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!”

⁴ They spit venom like deadly snakes;
    they are like cobras that refuse to listen,
⁵ ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers,
    no matter how skillfully they play.

²¹ The tongue can bring death or life;
    those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

³ They sharpen their tongues like swords
    and aim their bitter words like arrows.

² All day long you plot destruction.
    Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor;
    you’re an expert at telling lies.