1
and do not become an enemy instead of a friend; for a bad name incurs shame and reproach: so fares the double-tongued sinner.
2
Do not exalt yourself through your soul's counsel, lest your soul be torn in pieces like a bull.
3
You will devour your leaves and destroy your fruit, and will be left like a withered tree.
4
An evil soul will destroy him who has it, and make him the laughingstock of his enemies.
5
A pleasant voice multiplies friends, and a gracious tongue multiplies courtesies.
6
Let those that are at peace with you be many, but let your advisers be one in a thousand.
7
When you gain a friend, gain him through testing, and do not trust him hastily.
8
For there is a friend who is such at his own convenience, but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.
9
And there is a friend who changes into an enemy, and will disclose a quarrel to your disgrace.
10
And there is a friend who is a table companion, but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.
11
In prosperity he will make himself your equal, and be bold with your servants;