³ They sharpen their tongues like swords
    and aim their bitter words like arrows.

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

⁷ May they disappear like water into thirsty ground.
    Make their weapons useless in their hands.^[a]

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.

¹⁷ But in that coming day
    no weapon turned against you will succeed.
You will silence every voice
    raised up to accuse you.
These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord;
    their vindication will come from me.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!

² The wicked are stringing their bows
    and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings.
They shoot from the shadows
    at those whose hearts are right.

¹⁴ They have teeth like swords
    and fangs like knives.
They devour the poor from the earth
    and the needy from among humanity.