In chapter 17, Ramchal describes how to achieve purity, by thinking about what you are doing. In 18 he tells us about what true piety is, and that piety comes from love. When was loves someone, he/she will go above and b beyond the basics.

We study the trait of purity. Ramchal describes the importance of the intentions behind our behavior, which are sometimes even more important than the actions themselves.

Ramchal teaches us how to go beyond the letter of the law. Sometimes the path of going along with everyone else may not be the true path.

Ramchal discusses the trait of Perishut: Abstinence. When should we abstain from things that can lead us astray, and when is abstention a sin in itself?

We complete the study of nekiyut with a discussion of the most destructive human desire of all, that of the pursuit of personal honor. In Chapter 12, Ramchal tells us that the secret to achieve perfection is to study.

Ramchal describes how to achieve perfection in controlling the negative traits of envy and anger.

Ramchal describes how to achieve perfection in eliminating the detrimental character trait of haughtiness and pride.

Ramchal continues his discussion of Nekiyut with four topics. The importance of not abusing the power of oaths, speaking the truth, the desecration of God's reputation, and the essence of the Shabbat.

Ramchal teaches the importance of taking special care not to hurt others with our speech or bear a grudge.

Ramchal describes how important it is to be careful about what we say and even joke about inappropriate sexual matters and appreciating the ethics of what we eat. We also begin a discussion of how our words can harm others.