¹⁷ Friends love all the time,
    and kinsfolk are born for times of trouble.

¹⁹ An offended ally is more formidable than a city;
    such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

²⁴ There are persons for companionship,
    but then there are friends who are more loyal than family.

⁸ Those who acquire good sense love themselves;
    those who keep understanding find success.

²⁸ Kindness and faithfulness protect the king;
    he supports his throne by kindness.

¹⁷ Those who love pleasure end up poor;
    lovers of wine and oil won’t get rich.

²¹ Those who pursue righteousness and kindness
    will find life, righteousness, and honor.

⁵ A public correction is better than hidden love.
⁶ Trustworthy are the bruises of a friend;
    excessive are the kisses of an enemy.

⁹ Oil and incense make the heart glad,
    and the sweetness of friends comes from their advice.^[a]
10 Don’t desert your friend or a friend of your family;
    don’t go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes.
    Better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.

³ A man who loves wisdom makes his father rejoice,
    but one who spends time with prostitutes destroys riches.