²⁶ A righteous person will seek out his neighbor,
    but the way of the wicked will lead them astray.

²⁰ Walk with the wise and be wise,
    but as for the companion of fools, he will suffer harm.

⁷ Leave the presence of a foolish man,^[a]
    for you will not come to know words of knowledge.^[b]

¹⁷ The friend loves at all times^[a],
    but a brother is born for adversity.

²⁴ A man of many friends will come to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

¹⁶ If you find honey, eat what is sufficient for you,
    lest you have your fill of it and vomit it out.
¹⁷ Make your foot scarce in the house of your neighbor,
    lest he become weary of you and hate you.

⁸ Like a bird that strays from its nest,
    so is a man who strays from his place.
⁹ Perfume and incense will gladden a heart,
    and the pleasantness of one’s friend is personal advice.^[a]
10 As for your friend and a friend of your father, do not forsake them,
    and the house of your brother, do not enter on the day of your calamity.
    Better is a close neighbor than a distant brother.

²⁴ Being a partner with a thief is hating one’s life;^[a]
    a curse he will hear, but not disclose.