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.
13
And heed the counsel of your own heart, for no one is more faithful to you than it is.
14
For our own mind sometimes keeps us better informed than seven sentinels sitting high on a watchtower.
15
But above all pray to the Most High that he may direct your way in truth.
16
Discussion is the beginning of every work, and counsel precedes every undertaking.
17
The mind is the root of all conduct;
18
it sprouts four branches, good and evil, life and death; and it is the tongue that continually rules them.
19
Some people may be clever enough to teach many, and yet be useless to themselves.
20
A skillful speaker may be hated; he will be destitute of all food,
21
for the Lord has withheld the gift of charm, since he is lacking in all wisdom.