Will he make many supplications to you? Will he speak softly to you?
Who say to the seers, “Do not see,” And to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us right things; Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits.
By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.
The poor man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly.
A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.
Can you put a reed through his nose, Or pierce his jaw with a hook?
Will he make a covenant with you? Will you take him as a servant forever?
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.
The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.
‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts.