³² For such men are an abomination to the Lord, but he gives his friendship to the godly.

³⁰ Godly men are growing a tree that bears life-giving fruit, and all who win souls are wise.^[a]

²⁶ The good man asks advice from friends; the wicked plunge ahead—and fall.

^20-21 Even his own neighbors despise the poor man, while the rich have many “friends.” But to despise the poor is to sin. Blessed are those who help them.

²⁸ An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

⁹ Love forgets mistakes; nagging about them parts the best of friends.

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

¹⁹ It is harder to win back the friendship of an offended brother than to capture a fortified city.^[a] His anger shuts you out like iron bars.

²⁴ There are “friends” who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

⁴ A wealthy man has many “friends”; the poor man has none left.