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.

22 Whoever winks his eye plans evil deeds,

and no one can keep him from them.

23 In your presence his mouth is all sweetness,

and he admires your words;

but later he will twist his speech

and with your own words he will give offense.

24 I have hated many things, but none to be compared to him;

even the Lord will hate him.

25 Whoever throws a stone straight up throws it on his own head;

and a treacherous blow opens up wounds.

26 He who digs a pit will fall into it,

and he who sets a snare will be caught in it.

27 If a man does evil, it will roll back upon him,

and he will not know where it came from.

28 Mockery and abuse issue from the proud man,n

but vengeance lies in wait for him like a lion.

29 Those who rejoice in the fall of the godly will be caught in a snare,

and pain will consume them before their death.

30 Anger and wrath, these also are abominations,

and the sinful man will possess them.

Chapter 28

1 He that takes vengeance will suffer vengeance from the Lord,

and he will firmly establisho his sins.

2 Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done,

and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray.

3 Does a man harbor anger against another,

and yet seek for healing from the Lord?

4 Does he have no mercy toward a man like himself,

and yet pray for his own sins?

5 If he himself, being flesh, maintains wrath,

who will make expiation for his sins?

6 Remember the end of your life, and cease from enmity,

remember destruction and death, and be true to the commandments.

7 Remember the commandments, and do not be angry with your neighbor;

remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook ignorance.

8 Refrain from strife, and you will lessen sins;

for a man given to anger will kindle strife,

9 and a sinful man will disturb friends

and inject enmity among those who are at peace.

10 In proportion to the fuel for the fire, so will be the burning,

and in proportion to the obstinacy of strife will be the burning;p

in proportion to the strength of the man will be his anger,

and in proportion to his wealth he will heighten his wrath.

11 A hasty quarrel kindles fire,

and urgent strife sheds blood.