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.