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The Preservation of Friendship[a]

19 Whoever jabs the eye brings tears;
    whoever pierces the heart bares its feelings.
20 Whoever throws a stone at birds drives them away;
    whoever insults a friend breaks up the friendship.
21 Should you draw a sword against a friend,
    do not despair, for it can be undone.
22 Should you open your mouth against a friend,
    do not worry, for you can be reconciled.
But a contemptuous insult, a confidence broken,
    or a treacherous attack will drive any friend away.

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Footnotes

  1. 22:19–26 Disputes and violence weaken friendship, and disloyalty and abuse of confidence destroy it utterly (vv. 19–22, 24, 26); but kindness to a poor person in time of poverty and adversity builds up friendship and merits a share in his prosperity and inheritance (vv. 23, 25).