12 There are those who buy a lot for a little,and they pay for it seven times over.
13 Wise people make themselvesdearly loved by means of words,but fools pour out gifts.
14 Gifts from senseless peoplewon’t profit you,because they look for a lotrather than a little in return.
15 They will give a little and reproach a lot,and they will open their mouthslike a town crier.Today they will lendand tomorrow ask for it back;such people are hateful.
16 Fools say, "I don’t have a friend,and there’s no gratitudefor my good deeds."Those who eat the bread of such peoplehave mean tongues.
17 How many will ridicule them,and how often?
18 A slip on the pavement is preferableto a slip of the tongue;so the downfall of evil peoplewill come quickly.