8
Be wary of a counselor, and learn first what is his interest, for he will take thought for himself. He may cast the lot against you
9
and tell you, "Your way is good," and then stand aside to see what happens to you.
10
Do not consult the one who regards you with suspicion; hide your intentions 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 business or with a buyer about selling, with a miser about generosity or with the merciless about kindness, with an idler about any work or with a seasonal laborer about completing his work, with a lazy servant about a big task— pay no attention to any advice they give.
12
But associate with a godly person whom you know to be a keeper of the commandments, who is like-minded with yourself, and who will grieve with you if you fail.