9:3Jeremiah 9:3

The verse describes people who do not know God as bending their tongues like a bow to speak lies, lacking courage to be valiant for the truth upon the earth, and proceeding from evil to evil.Lt 9, 1894, par. 10 It applies to those who, after repeated counsel and reproof, persist in choosing their own way rather than heeding it.Lt 71, 1894, par. 20–21+1 Such persistence shows them to be unfaithful and self-willed.Lt 71, 1894, par. 20–21 In particular it applies to those entrusted with responsibility for God's work when they pursue selfish and ambitious plans that serve their own interests rather than God's work.Lt 71, 1894, par. 20–21+1

That course is a failure to rely wholeheartedly on divine wisdom and power, and an ignoring of God's principles.Lt 71, 1894, par. 20–21 Those who act in this way have turned from truth.4MR 442.3–4 They stand in need of repentance and confession.4MR 442.3–4 Even where such evil prevails, the truth must still be proclaimed.Lt 9, 1894, par. 10