And they bend their tongues [like] their bow [for] lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.
Ver. 3. And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies.] To the impeaching of others in their name, state, and life. I read that in Italy, at this day, they have a pocketstone bow, which, held under a cloak, shoots needles with violence to pierce a man's body, yet leaveth a wound scarce discernible. a Lo, such is an evil tongue, and such mischief it may do a man.
But they are not valiant for the truth.] Truth is no part of their profession; and courage in a good cause they have none. Of the most we may say, as of harts and stags, they have great horns, but to little purpose; or as Themistocles said of the Eretrians, b that they were like the swordfish, which hath a sword indeed, but not a heart to make use of it.
And they know not me, saith the Lord.] The low apprehensions men have of God, make their hearts work so poorly after him. Psa 9:10
a Il Mercurio Italico.
b Plutarch.