1
INSTEAD of a friend become not an enemy to thy neighbour: for an evil man shall inherit reproach and shame, so shall every sinner that is envious and double tongued.
2
Extol not thyself in the thoughts of thy soul like a bull: lest thy strength be quashed by folly,
3
And it eat up thy leaves, and destroy thy fruit: and thou be left as a dry tree in the wilderness.
4
For a wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and maketh him to be a joy to his enemies, and shall lead him into the lot of the wicked.
5
A sweet word multiplieth friends, and appeaseth enemies, and a gracious tongue in a good man aboundeth.
6
Be in peace with many, but let one of a thousand be thy counsellor.
7
If thou wouldst get a friend, try him before thou takest him, and do not credit him easily.
8
For there is a friend for his own occasion, and he will not abide in the day of thy trouble.
9
And there is a friend that turneth to enmity; and there is a friend that will disclose hatred and strife and reproaches.