16 Whoever betrays secrets destroys confidence,

and he will never find a congenial friend.

17 Love your friend and keep faith with him;

but if you betray his secrets, do not run after him.

18 For as a man destroys his enemy,

so you have destroyed the friendship of your neighbor.

19 And as you allow a bird to escape from your hand,

so you have let your neighbor go, and will not catch him again.

20 Do not go after him, for he is too far off,

and has escaped like a gazelle from a snare.

21 For a wound may be bandaged,

and there is reconciliation after abuse,

but whoever has betrayed secrets is without hope.