⁸ Their tongue^(A) is a deadly arrow;
    it speaks deceitfully.
With their mouths they all speak cordially to their neighbors,^(B)
    but in their hearts they set traps^(C) for them.^(D)

³ Do not drag me away with the wicked,
    with those who do evil,
who speak cordially with their neighbors
    but harbor malice in their hearts.^(A)

²⁴ Enemies disguise themselves with their lips,^(A)
    but in their hearts they harbor deceit.^(B)
25 Though their speech is charming,^(C) do not believe them,
    for seven abominations fill their hearts.^(D)
26 Their malice may be concealed by deception,
    but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

³ “They make ready their tongue
    like a bow, to shoot lies;^(A)
it is not by truth
    that they triumph^[a] in the land.
They go from one sin to another;
    they do not acknowledge^(B) me,”
declares the Lord.

³ What will he do to you,
    and what more besides,
    you deceitful tongue?

³ They sharpen their tongues like swords^(A)
    and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.^(B)
4 They shoot from ambush at the innocent;^(C)
    they shoot suddenly, without fear.^(D)

⁴ I am in the midst of lions;^(A)
    I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.^(B)

²¹ His talk is smooth as butter,^(A)
    yet war is in his heart;
his words are more soothing than oil,^(B)
    yet they are drawn swords.^(C)