²¹ You will be protected from the lash of the tongue,^(A)
    and need not fear^(B) when destruction comes.^(C)

²⁰ In the shelter^(A) of your presence you hide^(B) them
    from all human intrigues;^(C)
you keep them safe in your dwelling
    from accusing tongues.

¹⁸ The words of the reckless pierce like swords,^(A)
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.^(B)

⁵ You will not fear^(A) the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.

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)

¹⁷     no weapon forged against you will prevail,^(A)
    and you will refute^(B) every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants^(C) of the Lord,
    and this is their vindication^(D) from me,”
declares the Lord.

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)