7
Every counselor praises counsel, but some give counsel in their own interest.
8
Be wary of a counselor, and learn first what is his interest -- for he will take thought for himself -- lest he cast the lot against you
9
and tell you, "Your way is good," and then stand aloof to see what will happen to you.
10
Do not consult the one who looks at you suspiciously; hide your counsel from those who are jealous of you.
11
Do not consult with a woman about her rival or with a coward about war, with a merchant about barter or with a buyer about selling, with a grudging man about gratitude or with a merciless man about kindness, with an idler about any work or with a man hired for a year about completing his work, with a lazy servant about a big task -- pay no attention to these in any matter of counsel.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.