17 The first speech in a court case is always convincing—until the cross-examination starts!
18 You may have to draw strawswhen faced with a tough decision.
19 Do a favor and win a friend forever;nothing can untie that bond.
20 Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach;good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.
21 Words kill, words give life;they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.
22 Find a good spouse, you find a good life—and even more: the favor of God!
23 The poor speak in soft supplications;the rich bark out answers.