“Love covers many transgressions. Friendship thinks the best of others and overlooks offenses. On the other hand, a person who harps on problems will drive another away, robbing both people of the opportunity to develop a relationship. …Don’t keep bringing up the faults of others if you want to enjoy an intimate relationship with that person.” —Tremper Longman
“The wise listen to criticism, even if it is harsh. This contrasts with the hardheadedness of fools, who mock rather than pay attention to negative comments. Indeed, fools are so hardheaded that even a hundred lassoes could not break through and get them to listen and change their wrong minded behavior. This exaggerated language serves the purpose of making fun of fools.” —Tremper Longman
“It is never right to say evil words or do evil actions, and to respond to kind words or deeds with evil ones is particularly egregious. But what goes around comes around. Those who treat other people with malevolence will find that they and their households will never be far from trouble.” —Tremper Longman
“The second colon provides advice based on this observation: Don’t even begin a conflict by making an accusation. At the very least the one who confronts another person ought to be willing to pay the price of the trouble that it will initiate.” —Tremper Longman