¹⁹ Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts
    the land was burned,
and the people became like fuel for the fire;
    no one spared another.^(A)

³ Their hands are skilled to do evil;
    the official and the judge ask for a bribe,
and the powerful dictate what they desire;
    thus they pervert justice.^[a](A)
4 The best of them is like a brier,
    the most upright of them a thorn hedge.
The day of their^[b] sentinels, of their^[c] punishment, has come;
    now their confusion is at hand.^(B)
5 Put no trust in a friend;
    have no confidence in a loved one;
guard the doors of your mouth
    from her who lies in your embrace,
⁶ for the son treats the father with contempt,
    the daughter rises up against her mother,
the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
    your enemies are members of your own household.^(C)