² And when he had been sent for, Tertullus, starting his statement, said, Because by you we are living in peace, and through your wisdom wrongs are put right for this nation,

³ For the evil-doer is lifted up because of the purpose of his heart, and he whose mind is fixed on wealth is turned away from the Lord, saying evil against him.

² Everyone says false words to his neighbour: their tongues are smooth in their talk, and their hearts are full of deceit.

³ The smooth lips and the tongue of pride will be cut off by the Lord.

²⁸ A false tongue has hate for those who have clean hearts, and a smooth mouth is a cause of falling.

⁵ A man who says smooth things to his neighbour is stretching out a net for his steps.

²⁶ For he was hoping that Paul would give him money: so he sent for him more frequently and had talk with him.

²⁷ But after two years Porcius Festus took the place of Felix, who, desiring to have the approval of the Jews, kept Paul in chains.

¹⁶ These are the men who make trouble, ever desiring change, going after evil pleasures, using high-sounding words, respecting men's position in the hope of reward.