³ Do not drag me away with the wicked—
    with those who do evil—
those who speak friendly words to their neighbors
    while planning evil in their hearts.

²¹ His words are as smooth as butter,
    but in his heart is war.
His words are as soothing as lotion,
    but underneath are daggers!

² Neighbors lie to each other,
    speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts.

⁸     For their tongues shoot lies like poisoned arrows.
They speak friendly words to their neighbors
    while scheming in their heart to kill them.
⁹ Should I not punish them for this?” says the Lord.
    “Should I not avenge myself against such a nation?”

⁹ Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners.
    Don’t condemn me along with murderers.

⁵ This is what the Lord says:
    “You false prophets are leading my people astray!
You promise peace for those who give you food,
    but you declare war on those who refuse to feed you.

²³ Smooth^[a] words may hide a wicked heart,
    just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.

²⁴ People may cover their hatred with pleasant words,
    but they’re deceiving you.
²⁵ They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them.
    Their hearts are full of many evils.^[b]
26 While their hatred may be concealed by trickery,
    their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.

⁴ They plan to topple me from my high position.
    They delight in telling lies about me.
They praise me to my face
    but curse me in their hearts. Interlude

⁴ They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots.
    Their actions are never good.
    They make no attempt to turn from evil.