²⁷ Scoundrels create trouble;
    their words are a destructive blaze.

²⁸ A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;
    gossip separates the best of friends.

²⁹ Violent people mislead their companions,
    leading them down a harmful path.

³⁰ With narrowed eyes, people plot evil;
    with a smirk, they plan their mischief.

⁴ Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip;
    liars pay close attention to slander.

⁹ Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
    but dwelling on it separates close friends.

¹⁹ Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin;
    anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster.

²⁰ The crooked heart will not prosper;
    the lying tongue tumbles into trouble.

²⁴ Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom,
    but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

18 Unfriendly people care only about themselves;
    they lash out at common sense.

² Fools have no interest in understanding;
    they only want to air their own opinions.

²³ The poor plead for mercy;
    the rich answer with insults.

⁴ Wealth makes many “friends”;
    poverty drives them all away.

⁶ Many seek favors from a ruler;
    everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!

⁶ Many will say they are loyal friends,
    but who can find one who is truly reliable?