1
Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for thereby thou shalt inherit an ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a sinner that hath a double tongue.
2
Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy soul be not torn in pieces as a bull straying alone.
3
Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave thyself as a dry tree.
4
A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.
5
Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings.
6
Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.
7
If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.
8
For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the day of thy trouble.
9
And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife will discover thy reproach.