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)

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)

⁹ Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
    my life with those who are bloodthirsty,^(A)

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)
9 Should I not punish them for this?”
    declares the Lord.
“Should I not avenge^(E) myself
    on such a nation as this?”

“As for the prophets
    who lead my people astray,^(A)
they proclaim ‘peace’^(B)
    if they have something to eat,
but prepare to wage war against anyone
    who refuses to feed them.

⁴ Surely they intend to topple me
    from my lofty place;
    they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
    but in their hearts they curse.^[a](A)

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.