Sirach 22:19–26

19 A man who pricks an eye will make tears fall,

and one who pricks the heart makes it show feeling.

20 One who throws a stone at birds scares them away,

and one who reviles a friend will break off the friendship.

21 Even if you have drawn your sword against a friend,

do not despair, for a renewal of friendship is possible.

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.

23 Gain the trust of your neighbor 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.

24 The vapor and smoke of the furnace precede the fire;

so insults precede bloodshed.

25 I will not be ashamed to protect a friend,

and I will not hide from him;

26 but if some harm should happen to me because of him,

whoever hears of it will beware of him.