Preserving friendship
19 Whoever pricks an eye will make tears flow, and whoever pricks a heart reveals its feelings.
20
Whoever throws a stone at birds scares them off, and whoever insults a friend breaks up a friendship.
21
If you draw a sword on a friend, don't despair, because there can be a way back.
22
If you speak harshly to a friend, don't be concerned, because there can be reconciliation. But in the case of reproach, arrogance, the revealing of a secret, or a treacherous blow, any friend will flee.
23
Gain your neighbors' trust while they are poor, so that when they are prosperous, you will be filled along with them. In a time of distress remain with them so that when they inherit, you will be a joint heir.
24
Before there's a fire, a furnace has vapor and smoke; so before bloodshed there are insults.
25
I won't be ashamed to shelter friends, and I won't hide from them.
26
And if something bad happens to me because of them, everyone who hears of it will be on guard against them.
Prayer for protection from sinning
27 Who will put a guard on my mouth and an effective seal upon my lips so that I don't fall because of my speech and so that my tongue doesn't destroy me?