I am surrounded by enemies, who are like lions hungry for human flesh. Their teeth are like spears and arrows; their tongues are like sharp swords.

Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.

There are people who take cruel advantage of the poor and needy; that is the way they make their living.

But no weapon will be able to hurt you; you will have an answer for all who accuse you. I will defend my servants and give them victory." The LORD has spoken.

They are always ready to tell lies; dishonesty instead of truth rules the land. The LORD says, "My people do one evil thing after another and do not acknowledge me as their God."

And the tongue is like a fire. It is a world of wrong, occupying its place in our bodies and spreading evil through our whole being. It sets on fire the entire course of our existence with the fire that comes to it from hell itself.

But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison.

because the wicked have drawn their bows and aimed their arrows to shoot from the shadows at good people.

May they disappear like water draining away; may they be crushed like weeds on a path.