¹¹ If a snake bites before it is charmed,
    the charmer receives no fee.^(A)

¹⁷ “See, I will send venomous snakes^(A) among you,
    vipers that cannot be charmed,^(B)
    and they will bite you,”
declares the Lord.

⁴ Their venom is like the venom of a snake,^(A)
    like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears,
⁵ that will not heed^(B) the tune of the charmer,^(C)
    however skillful the enchanter may be.

³ They sharpen their tongues like swords^(A)
    and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.^(B)

²¹ The tongue has the power of life and death,^(A)
    and those who love it will eat its fruit.^(B)