Then comes a negative characterization in a finely touched triplet:
He that backbiteth not with his tongue,
Nor doeth evil to his neighbor,
Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.
This is followed by a couplet containing a strong contrast:
In whose eyes a vile person is contemned:
But he honoureth them that fear the Lord.
Then the description goes back to the negative style again and three more touches are added to the picture:
He that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not,