3
O wicked imagination, whence camest thou in to cover the earth with deceit?
4
There is a companion who rejoiceth in the prosperity of a friend, but in the time of trouble will be against him.
5
There is a companion who helpeth his friend for the belly, and taketh up the buckler against the enemy.
6
Forget not thy friend in thy mind, and be not unmindful of him in thy riches.
7
Every counselor extolleth counsel, but there is some that counseleth for himself.
8
Beware of a counselor, and know before what need he hath; for he will counsel for himself, lest he cast the lot upon thee,
9
and say unto thee, "Thy way is good," and afterward he stand on the other side to see what shall befall thee.
10
Consult not with one that suspecteth thee, and hide thy counsel from such as envy thee.
11
Neither consult with a woman concerning her of whom she is jealous, neither with a coward in matters of war, nor with a merchant concerning exchange, nor with a buyer about selling, nor with an envious man about thankfulness, nor with an unmerciful man concerning kindness, nor with the slothful for any work, nor with a hireling for a year about finishing work, nor with an idle servant about much business. Hearken not unto these in any matter of counsel.
12
But be continually with a godly man whom thou knowest to keep the commandments of the Lord, whose mind is according to thy mind, and will sorrow with thee if thou shalt miscarry.
13
And let the counsel of thine own heart stand, for there is no man more faithful unto thee than it.