17. A heart fixed on thoughtful understandingis like an engraved ornamenton a smooth wall.
18. A protective barrier set on a high placewill never endure against the wind.So a timid heart backed upby a fool’s planwill never endure against any fear.
19. Whoever pricks an eyewill make tears flow,and whoever pricks a heartreveals its feelings.
20. Whoever throws a stone at birdsscares them off,and whoever insults a friendbreaks 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’ trustwhile they are poor,so that when they are prosperous,you will be filled along with them.In a time of distress remain with themso 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 mebecause of them,everyone who hears of itwill be on guard against them.
27. Who will put a guard on my mouthand an effective seal upon my lipsso that I don’t fallbecause of my speechand so that my tonguedoesn’t destroy me?