5
Some companions help a friend for their stomach's sake, and in the face of battle take up the shield.
6
Do not forget a friend in your heart, and be not unmindful of him in your wealth.
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.
12
But stay constantly with a godly man whom you know to be a keeper of the commandments, whose soul is in accord with your soul, and who will sorrow with you if you fail.
13
And establish the counsel of your own heart, for no one is more faithful to you than it is.
14
For a man's soul sometimes keeps him better informed than seven watchmen sitting high on a watchtower.
15
And besides all this pray to the Most High that he may direct your way in truth.