Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good. Do not accuse a man for no reason - when he has done you no harm. Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, or use your lips to deceive. What you have seen with your eyes do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame? Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He Who guards your life know it? Will He not repay each person according to what he has done? A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor. My child, be careful about giving a guarantee for somebody else. Be careful about promising to pay what someone else owes.
   With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape. A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy. If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's confidence, or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.
   Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you - better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.
   Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow" - when you now have it with you. Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!" If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse. Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house - too much of you, and he will hate you. Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Taken from Pr. 3, 6, 11, 14, 16, 17, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, The New International Version
and The Everyday Bible. For free Lifescope book, write to Box 1575,
Carlsbad, NM 88221. Please send $1.00 for postage and handling.