3 “They use their tongues like a bow.They shoot lies from their mouths like arrows.Lies, not truth,have grown strong in the land.They go from one evil thing to another.They do not know who I am,” says the Lord.
4 “Watch your friends.Don’t trust your own brothers.This is because every brother is a cheater.And every friend tells lies about you.
5 Everyone lies to his friend.No one speaks the truth.The people of Judah have taught their tongues to lie.They become tired from sinning.
6 Jeremiah, you live in the middle of evil.And lies follow lies.The people have refused to know me,” says the Lord.
7 So this is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says:“I will test the people of Judah as a person tests metal in a fire.I have no other choice.My people have sinned.
8 Their tongues are like sharp arrows.Their mouths speak lies.Everyone speaks nicely to his neighbor.But he is secretly planning to attack him.
9 Shouldn’t I punish the people for doing this?” says the Lord.“Shouldn’t I give them the punishment they deserve?”