Some have strayed from these and turned away to empty discussion.

¹ “You must not give ²  a false report. ³  Do not make common cause ⁴  with the wicked ⁵  to be a malicious ⁶  witness.

For they do not try to make peace with others, ¹  but plan ways to deceive those who are unsuspecting. ² 

before the vindictive enemy who ridicules and insults me. ¹ 

For they harass ¹  the one whom you discipline; ²  they spread the news about the suffering of those whom you punish. ³ 

They say, ¹  “God has abandoned him. Run and seize him, for there is no one who will rescue him!”

He does not fear bad news. He ¹  is confident; he trusts ²  in the Lord.

Though rulers plot and slander me, ¹  your servant meditates on your statutes.

She watches over ¹  the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. ² 

Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting – all of which are out of character – but rather thanksgiving.

because I was terrified ¹  of the great multitude, ²  and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I remained silent and would not go outdoors – ³ 

For I hear what so many are saying, ¹  the terrifying news that comes from every direction. ²  When they plot together against me, they figure out how they can take my life.

You hide them with you, where they are safe from the attacks ¹  of men; ²  you conceal them in a shelter, where they are safe from slanderous attacks. ³ 

I will destroy anyone who slanders his neighbor in secret. I will not tolerate anyone who has a cocky demeanor and an arrogant attitude. ¹ 

The evil person is ensnared ¹  by the transgression of his speech, ²  but the righteous person escapes out of trouble. ³ 

lest the one who hears it put you to shame and your infamy ¹  will never go away.

Also, do not pay attention to everything that people ¹  say; otherwise, ²  you might even hear ³  your servant cursing you.

For did not you people of Moab laugh at the people of Israel? Did you think that they were nothing but thieves, ¹  that you shook your head in contempt ²  every time you talked about them? ³ 

Don’t spread the news in Gath! ¹  Don’t shed even a single tear! ²  In Beth Leaphrah sit in the dust! ³ 

When he entered he said to them, “Why are you distressed and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.”