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)

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)

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)

²⁸ A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
    and a flattering mouth^(A) works ruin.

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.