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)

¹² There is a way that appears to be right,^(A)
    but in the end it leads to death.^(B)

²⁸ A perverse person stirs up conflict,^(A)
    and a gossip separates close friends.^(B)

⁹ Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,^(A)
    but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.^(B)

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

⁵ Better is open rebuke
    than hidden love.

⁶ Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
    but an enemy multiplies kisses.^(A)

¹⁷ As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another.