²⁶ 
The righteous man is a guide to his neighbor,
But the way of the wicked leads them astray.

²⁰ 
He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise,
But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm.^(A)

⁷ 
Leave the presence of a [shortsighted] fool,
For you will not find knowledge or hear godly wisdom from his lips.

¹⁷ 
A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.

²⁴ 
The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin,
But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.

24 Do not be envious of evil men,
Nor desire to be with them;
² 
For their minds plot violence,
And their lips talk of trouble [for the innocent].

⁸ 
Like a bird that wanders from her nest [with its comfort and safety],
So is a man who wanders from his home.
⁹ 
Oil and perfume make the heart glad;
So does the sweetness of a friend’s counsel that comes from the heart.
¹⁰ 
Do not abandon your own friend and your father’s friend,
And do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your disaster.
Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.

²⁴ 
Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own life;
He hears the curse [when swearing an oath to testify], but discloses nothing [and commits perjury by omission].