19 He who pricks the eye will make tears fall.

He who pricks the heart makes it show feeling.

20 The person who throws a stone at birds, scares them away.

He who insults a friend will dissolve friendship.

21 If you have drawn a sword against a friend, don’t despair,

for there may be a way back.

22 If you have opened your mouth against a friend, don’t be afraid,

for there may be reconciliation,

unless it is for insulting, arrogance, disclosing of a secret, or a treacherous blow—

for these things any friend will flee.

23 Gain trust with your neighbour in his poverty,

that in his prosperity you may have gladness.

Stay steadfast to him in the time of his affliction,

that you may be heir with him in his inheritance.[fn]

24 Before fire is the vapour and smoke of a furnace,

so insults precede bloodshed.

25 I won’t be ashamed to shelter a friend.

I won’t hide myself from his face.

26 If any evil happens to me because of him,

everyone who hears it will beware of him.