²⁶ Godly people are careful about the friends they choose.
    But the way of sinners leads them down the wrong path.

²⁰ Walk with wise people and become wise.
    A companion of foolish people suffers harm.

⁷ Stay away from a foolish person.
    You won’t find knowledge in what they say.

¹⁷ A friend loves at all times.
    They are there to help when trouble comes.

²⁴ A person with unfaithful friends soon comes to ruin.
    But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

¹⁶ If you find honey, eat just enough.
    If you eat too much of it, you will throw up.
¹⁷ Don’t go to your neighbor’s home very often.
    If they see too much of you, they will hate you.

⁸ Anyone who runs away from home
    is like a bird that flies away from its nest.

⁹ Perfume and incense bring joy to your heart.
    And the sweetness of a friend comes from their honest advice.

¹⁰ Don’t desert your friend or a friend of your family.
    And don’t go to your relative’s house when trouble strikes you.
    A neighbor nearby is better than a relative far away.

²⁴ To help a thief is to become your own enemy.
    When you go to court, you won’t dare to say anything.