18 Just as people destroy an enemy,so you have destroyed your friendshipwith your neighbors.
19 And as you set a bird free from your hand,so too you have let your neighbors go,and you won’t catch them.
20 Don’t pursue them,because they have withdrawnfar away from you,and they have escapedlike a gazelle from a trap.
21 In the same way that it’s possibleto bandage a wound,there’s also reconciliation for insult,but the one who has let a friend’s secrets slip out has no hope.
22 Those who wink their eye plan evil,and whoever recognizes themwill keep their distance.
23 To your face their speech will be sweet,and they will express amazementat your words.But later they will distort what they said,and they will use your own wordsagainst you.
24 I’ve hated many things,but nothing compares with them.Even the Lord will hate them.