They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have dug a pit before me, into the midst of which they are fallen themselves. Selah.
For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my companions watched for my downfall, saying, Perhaps he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault; seeing that he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
And they watched him, and sent out spies, which would pretend to be just men, that they might take hold of his words, that in this way they might deliver him to the power and authority of the governor.