2 If only I had a traveler’s lodging placein the wilderness, I would abandon my peopleand depart from them,for they are all adulterers, a solemn assembly of treacherous people.
3 They bent their tongues like their bows;lies and not faithfulness prevail in the land,for they proceed from one evil to another,and they do not take Me into account. This is the Lord’s declaration.
4 Everyone has to be on guard against his friend.Don’t trust any brother,for every brother will certainly deceive, and every friend spread slander.
5 Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth.They have taught their tongues to speak lies;they wear themselves out doing wrong.
6 You live in a world of deception. In their deception they refuse to know Me. This is the Lord’s declaration.
7 Therefore, this is what the Lord of Hosts says:I am about to refine them and test them, for what else can I dobecause of My dear people?
8 Their tongues are deadly arrows —they speak deception. With his moutha man speaks peaceably with his friend,but inwardly he sets up an ambush.