⁸ A bribe is like a bright, precious stone that dazzles the eyes and affects the mind of him who gives it; [as if by magic] he prospers, whichever way he turns.

⁹ He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends.

¹⁰ A reproof enters deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred lashes into a [self-confident] fool.^(A)