1. Anyone can claim to be your friend, but some people are friends in name only.
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.
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.