22 ²² If you have opened your mouth against your friend,
do not worry, for reconciliation is possible;
but as for reviling, arrogance, disclosure of secrets, or a treacherous blow -
in these cases any friend will flee.

22 ²³ Gain the trust of your neighbour in his poverty,
that you may rejoice with him in his prosperity;
stand by him in time of affliction,
that you may share with him in his inheritance.
22 ²⁴ The vapor and smoke of the furnace precede the fire;
so insults precede bloodshed.
22 ²⁵ I will not be ashamed to protect a friend,
and I will not hide from him;
22 ²⁶ but if some harm should happen to me because of him,
whoever hears of it will beware of him.