²⁶ The righteous choose their friends carefully,
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.^(A)

²⁰ Walk with the wise and become wise,
    for a companion of fools suffers harm.^(A)

⁷ Stay away from a fool,
    for you will not find knowledge on their lips.

¹⁷ A friend loves at all times,
    and a brother is born for a time of adversity.^(A)

²⁴ One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.^(A)

⁸ Like a bird that flees its nest^(A)
    is anyone who flees from home.

⁹ Perfume^(B) and incense bring joy to the heart,
    and the pleasantness of a friend
    springs from their heartfelt advice.

¹⁰ Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family,
    and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster^(C) strikes you—
    better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.

²⁴ The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies;
    they are put under oath and dare not testify.^(A)