³ May loyal love^[a] and truth not forsake you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them upon your heart.

¹³ A gossip walks about telling a secret,
    but the trustworthy in spirit keeps the matter.

²² Have they not erred, those who plan evil?
    But loyalty and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.

⁶ By loyalty and faithfulness, iniquity will be covered over,^[a]
    and by fear of Yahweh one turns^[b] from evil.

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

²² The craving of a man is his steadfast loyalty,
    and it is better to be poor than a liar.^[a]

⁶ Many a person will proclaim his loyalty for himself,
    but a man who is trustworthy, who can find?

²⁸ Loyalty and faithfulness will preserve a king,
    and he is upheld with the righteousness of his throne.

²⁶ My child, may you give your heart^[a] to me,
    and may your eyes delight in my ways.
²⁷ For a deep pit is a prostitute,^[b]
    and a narrow well is an adulteress.^[c]
28 She is also like a robber lying in wait,
    and the faithless among mankind she increases.

¹³ Like the cold of snow on a day^[a] of harvest
    is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
    and the soul^[b] of his master is refreshed.^[c]