IMMINENT RUIN AND EXILE

4 Everyone has to be on guard against his friend.

Don’t trust any brother,

for every brother will certainly deceive,r

and every friend spread slander.s

5 Each one betrays his friend;t

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.E,u

In their deception they refuse to know me.v

This is the Lord’s declaration.

7 Therefore, this is what the Lord of Armies says:

I am about to refine them and test them,w

for what else can I do

because of my dearF people?G

8 Their tongues are deadly arrows—

they speak deception.a

With his mouth

one speaks peaceably with his friend,

but inwardly he sets up an ambush.

9 Should I not punish them for these things?

This is the Lord’s declaration.

Should I not avenge myselfb

on such a nation as this?