2. The grief caused when a close friendship turns sour is as bad as death.
3. This evil impulse we have! Why was it ever formed? How did it manage to cover the earth with deceit?
4. Some people will be your friend as long as things are going well, but they will turn against you when trouble comes.
5. A real friend will help you against your enemies and protect you in the fight.
6. Never forget such a companion in battle; share the results of your victory with him.
7. Anyone can give advice, but some people do so only in their own interest.
8. Be careful when somebody offers you advice. Find out first what his interest in the matter is, because you can be sure that he is thinking primarily of himself. Why should he come out on top instead of you?
9. He will assure you that things look good, and then stand back to watch what happens to you.
17-18. The mind concerns itself with four things: these are good and evil, life and death. They all begin in the mind, but the tongue is their absolute ruler.
19. Someone may have the ability to teach, but still not be of much use to himself.
20. He may be clever with words, but end up starving because people hate him.
21. This may happen if he hasn't any sense, if the Lord has not given him tact.
22. Someone may consider himself wise and let you know that he is certain about what he knows.
23. Anyone who really is wise will be the teacher of his people, and they can be certain that what he teaches is the truth.
24. Everyone will praise such a person and speak of him as fortunate.
25. A person's life has only a limited number of days, but the life of Israel cannot be measured in days at all.