³ Will he make many petitions to you? Or will he speak soft words to you?

²¹ His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.

¹ A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

²³ The poor plead for mercy, But the rich answer harshly.

¹⁵ By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

¹⁰ who tell the seers, "Don't see;" and to the prophets, "Don't prophesy to us right things, speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits,