21. Just as chaff in a high place, or a wall made of mortar without stones set within, will not continue against the face of the wind,
22. so also a timid heart, and the thoughts of the senseless, will not withstand the forcefulness of fear.
23. Despite a cowardly heart, the thoughts of the foolish will not fear any situation; yet neither will one who continues always in the precepts of God.
24. He who jabs an eye produces tears. And he who jabs the heart produces understanding.
25. He who throws a stone at birds will drive them away. So also, he who accuses his friend dissolves the friendship.
26. But if you have drawn a sword against a friend, you should not despair; for there may be a way back.
27. If you have opened a harsh mouth against a friend, you should not fear; for there may be a reconciliation. However, if there are accusations, or abuse, or arrogance, or the revealing of secrets, or a wound from deceitfulness, in all these cases, a friend will flee away.
28. Hold to faithfulness with a friend in his poverty, so that you may also rejoice in his prosperity.
29. In the time of his tribulation, remain faithful to him, so that you may also be an heir with him in his inheritance.
30. Just as the steam from an oven, or the smoke from a fire, rises up before a flame, so also do curses and insults and threats rise up before bloodshed.
31. I shall not be ashamed to greet a friend, nor shall I hide myself from his face. And if misfortunes befall me because of him, I will endure.
32. Anyone who hears of this will be wary around him.
33. Who will provide a keeper for my mouth, and a reliable seal over my lips, so that I may not fall because of them, and so that my tongue does not destroy me?