20 ⁹ There may be good fortune for a man in adversity,
and a windfall may result in a loss.
20 ¹⁰ There is a gift that profits you nothing,
and there is a gift that brings a double return.
20 ¹¹ There are losses because of glory,
and there are men who have raised their heads from humble circumstances.
20 ¹² There is a man who buys much for a little,
but pays for it seven times over.
20 ¹³ The wise man makes himself beloved through his words,
but the courtesies of fools are wasted.
20 ¹⁴ A fool's gift will profit you nothing,
for he has many eyes instead of one.
20 ¹⁵ He gives little and upbraids much,
he opens his mouth like a herald;
today he lends and tomorrow he asks it back;
such a one is a hateful man.
20 ¹⁶ A fool will say, "I have no friend, and there is no gratitude for my good deeds;
those who eat my bread speak unkindly."
20 ¹⁷ How many will ridicule him, and how often!