The Instructions of Ptah-Hotep
How to Speak as a True Friend
If you would seek out the nature of a friend, ask it not of any companion of his; but pass a time with him alone, that you injure not his affairs.
Debate with him after a season; test his heart in an occasion of speech. When he has told you his past life, he has made an opportunity that you may either be ashamed for him or be familiar with him.
Be not reserved with him when he opens speech, neither answer him after a scornful manner. Withdraw not yourself from him, neither interrupt him whose matter is not yet ended, whom it is possible to benefit.
