7
All counselors praise the counsel they give, 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. 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.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, 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.