Jeremiah 9:7-9

New Century Version

“I will test the people of Judah as a person tests metal in a fire.
    I have no other choice,
    because my people have sinned.
⁸ Their tongues are like sharp arrows.
    Their mouths speak lies.
Everyone speaks nicely to his neighbor,
    but he is secretly planning to attack him.
⁹ Shouldn’t I punish the people for doing this?” says the Lord.
    “Shouldn’t I give a nation like this the punishment it deserves?”