Listen to their insults and threats. Their tongues are like swords in their mouths, yet they think that no one hears them.

Sin is on their lips; all their words are sinful; may they be caught in their pride! Because they curse and lie,

Their tongues are like deadly snakes; their words are like a cobra's poison.

"Prophesy, then, and announce what I, the Sovereign LORD, am saying. When the neighboring nations captured and plundered the mountains of Israel, everyone made fun of Israel.

Then the people said, "Let's do something about Jeremiah! There will always be priests to instruct us, the wise to give us counsel, and prophets to proclaim God's message. Let's bring charges against him and stop listening to what he says."