26:12. “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” Such a sottish person is hardly curable: and yet, if he be not altogether insensible of his folly, nor refuse admonition; there is more hope of his amendment, than of his who takes himself to be so wise and vertuous, that he despises his betters, and thinks he is above instruction.
27:2. “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” Be not so blinded with self-love, as to praise thy self; which is both indecent and imprudent, for others will onely the more undervalue thee: but take care to doe praiseworthy things, which will force commendations even from strangers and foreigners, who cannot be thought too partial to thee; for this will make thee truly honorable.
27:9. “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” As balsom and fragrant perfumes marvelously refresh and comfort the natural spirits, when they droop and are tired: so doth the very presence of a true-hearted Friend, and much more his faithful counsel, rejoyce a man’s soul; especially when he is at such a loss, that he knows not how to advise himself.
S. Patrick (1683)