1 INSTEAD of a friend become not an enemy to thy neighbour: for an evil man shall inherit reproach and shame, so shall every sinner that is envious and double tongued.
2 Extol not thyself in the thoughts of thy soul like a bull: lest thy strength be quashed by folly,
3 And it eat up thy leaves, and destroy thy fruit: and thou be left as a dry tree in the wilderness.
4 For a wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and maketh him to be a joy to his enemies, and shall lead him into the lot of the wicked.
5 A sweet word multiplieth friends, and appeaseth enemies, and a gracious tongue in a good man aboundeth.
6 Be in peace with many, but let one of a thousand be thy counsellor.
7 If thou wouldst get a friend, try him before thou takest him, and do not credit him easily.