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.
11. A friend, if he remains steadfast, will be to you as you are to yourself, and he will act with faithfulness among those of your household.
12. If he humbles himself before you and hides himself from your face, you shall have a noble and harmonious friendship.
13. Distance yourself from your enemies, and pay attention to your friends.
14. A faithful friend is a strong shelter, and whoever has found one has found a treasure.
15. Nothing is comparable to a faithful friend, and no weight of silver or gold is worth more than the goodness of his fidelity.