2 Samuel 14:1-3

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

Absalom Returns to Jerusalem

14 Now Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s mind was on Absalom. ² Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman. He said to her, ‘Pretend to be in mourning; put on mourning garments, do not anoint yourself with oil, but behave like a woman who has been mourning many days for the dead. ³ Go to the king and speak to him as follows.’ And Joab put the words into her mouth.