And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions.[2] Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.
My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts -- the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.