1. Do not be willing to become an enemy instead of a friend to your neighbor. For an evil man will inherit reproach and disgrace, as will every sinner who is envious and double-tongued.
2. You should not extol yourself, like a bull, in the thoughts of your soul, lest perhaps your strength may be cast down through foolishness,
3. which would consume your leaves, and destroy your fruit, and leave you behind like a dry tree in the desert.
4. For a wicked soul will destroy the one who has it. For it gladly provides enemies to him, and it will lead him to the fate of the impious.
5. A sweet word multiplies friends and mitigates enemies. And thankful words abound in a good man.
6. Allow many to be at peace with you, but allow one out of a thousand to be your counselor.
7. If you would obtain a friend, test him before you accept him, and do not trust him readily.
8. For there is a friend according to his own time, but he will not remain in the day of tribulation.
9. And there is a friend who can be turned to animosity. And there is a friend who will reveal hatred and ridicule and insults.
10. And there is a friend who is a companion at table, but he will not remain in a day of need.