Would he keep on pleading with you? Would he speak softly to you?
Would you put a cord through his nose, or pierce his jaw with a hook?
Would he make a covenant with you to be taken as a servant forever?
The earth belongs to יהוה, And all that fills it – The world and those who dwell in it.
His mouth was smoother than curds, Yet in his heart is fighting; His words were softer than oil, But they are drawn swords.
‘And now, if you diligently obey My voice, and shall guard My covenant, then you shall be My treasured possession above all the peoples – for all the earth is Mine –
A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up displeasure.
The poor speaks beseechingly, But the rich answers fiercely.
Through patience a ruler is persuaded, And a soft tongue shatters a bone.
who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right. Speak to us what is smooth, prophesy deceits.
‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ declares יהוה of hosts.