NOTE: 32

...is the master of [such] authority, or has extreme intimacy and boldness [with him]. 7. One must not frown and contort one’s face when an elder or an intimate friend makes known to him a shortcoming he has committed and offers admonition; but rather, he should be thankful, and, heeding his advice, amend himself. For as the wise say, that man is to be accounted a true friend unto us who confronts us with our shortcoming to our face and admonishes [us], and not he who praises our every word and deed. 6. One must not stare at and examine the natural defects of a person one visits, nor inquire after the cause thereof. Suppose that one of the persons visited be one-eyed, or hunchbacked, or lame, or have some other bodily blemish; [it is improper] to be inquisitive and ask: “When did this happen to thee, or whence did it come upon thee?” For such words are [tantamount to] casting a companion’s blemish in his face, and arise out of curiosity or impudence. 7. One must not [interrupt] another’s speech or...