New International Version

Jeremiah 9:5-10 New International Version (NIV)

5. Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning.

6. You live in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to acknowledge me,” declares the Lord.

7. Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty says: “See, I will refine and test them, for what else can I do because of the sin of my people?

8. Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully. With their mouths they all speak cordially to their neighbors, but in their hearts they set traps for them.

9. Should I not punish them for this?” declares the Lord. “Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this?”

10. I will weep and wail for the mountains and take up a lament concerning the wilderness grasslands. They are desolate and untraveled, and the lowing of cattle is not heard. The birds have all fled and the animals are gone.