1
Every friend says, "I too am a friend"; but some friends are friends only in name.
2
Is it not a sorrow like that for death itself when a dear friend turns into an enemy?
3
O inclination to evil, why were you formed to cover the land with deceit?
4
Some companions rejoice in the happiness of a friend, but in time of trouble they are against him.
5
Some companions help a friend for their stomachs' sake, yet in battle they will carry his shield.
6
Do not forget a friend during the battle, and do not be unmindful of him when you distribute your spoils.
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.