²³ Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware
    are fervent^[a] lips with an evil heart.
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.

⁴ Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,
    but those who heed it resist them.

⁷ The righteous care about justice for the poor,^(A)
    but the wicked have no such concern.

¹² If a ruler^(A) listens to lies,
    all his officials become wicked.^(B)