Proverbs 27:8-12

New Living Translation

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.

¹¹ Be wise, my child,^[a] and make my heart glad.
    Then I will be able to answer my critics.

¹² A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
    The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.