²⁶ The godly give good advice to their friends;^[a]
    the wicked lead them astray.

²⁰ Walk with the wise and become wise;
    associate with fools and get in trouble.

⁷ Stay away from fools,
    for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.

¹⁷ A friend is always loyal,
    and a brother is born to help in time of need.

²⁴ There are “friends” who destroy each other,
    but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

24 Don’t envy evil people
    or desire their company.
² For their hearts plot violence,
    and their words always stir up trouble.

¹⁶ Do you like honey?
    Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!

¹⁷ Don’t visit your neighbors too often,
    or you will wear out your welcome.

⁸ A person who strays from home
    is like a bird that strays from its nest.

⁹ The heartfelt counsel of a friend
    is as sweet as perfume and incense.

¹⁰ Never abandon a friend—
    either yours or your father’s.
When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance.
    It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away.

²⁴ If you assist a thief, you only hurt yourself.
    You are sworn to tell the truth, but you dare not testify.