¹⁸ Telling lies about others
    is as harmful as hitting them with an ax,
wounding them with a sword,
    or shooting them with a sharp arrow.

⁴ I am surrounded by fierce lions
    who greedily devour human prey—
whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows,
    and whose tongues cut like swords.

¹⁸ Some people make cutting remarks,
    but the words of the wise bring healing.

⁸     For their tongues shoot lies like poisoned arrows.
They speak friendly words to their neighbors
    while scheming in their heart to kill them.

²⁸ Don’t testify against your neighbors without cause;
    don’t lie about them.

³ Their tongues sting like a snake;
    the venom of a viper drips from their lips. Interlude

³ O deceptive tongue, what will God do to you?
    How will he increase your punishment?
⁴ You will be pierced with sharp arrows
    and burned with glowing coals.

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