1If you do good, know to whom you are doing it and you will receive thanks for your kindness.
2Do good to the godly man and you will receive a reward, if not from the man himself, at least from the Most High.
3Blessings are not for those who persist in evildoing, nor for those who refuse to show compassion.
4Give to the godly man, do not help the sinner; 5do good to the humble, do not give to the ungodly; deny him bread, do not give it to him lest he eventually dominate you. He will repay you with a double evil for all the good that you have done for him.
6For the Most High himself detests sinners and carries out his vengeance on the ungodly.
7Give to the good man but do not help the sinner. 8A friend does not become an enemy in the time of prosperity, nor does an enemy remain hidden in the time of adversity.
9When a man is doing well, his enemies are sad; when he is suffering misfortune, even his friends hasten to abandon him.
10Never trust an enemy, for his malice is like bronze covered in rust.
11Even if he should act as a humble man and walk with head bowed down, watch yourself and be on your guard against him. Behave to wards him as a man who polishes a bronze mirror. Know that the rust will not remain until the end.
12Do not place him near you lest he overthrow you and take your place. Do not make him sit on your right hand lest he covet your seat. Let it not be that in the end you understand my words and regret not having listened to my advice.
13Who will have pity on the snake-charmer bitten by a snake or on those who go near wild beasts? 14It is the same for the man who joins company with a sinner and finds himself involved in his wrongdoing. 15The sinner will remain quietly with you for an hour but when you are distracted he will throw away his mask.
16The enemy is all sweetness in his speech, but in his heart he is planning to throw you in the ditch. The enemy has tears in his eyes but, if he finds an opportunity, he cannot have enough of your blood.
17If misfortune comes to you, you will find him there before you; pretending to help you, he will be scheming to get rid of you. 18He will wag his head in mockery and clap his hands, he will whisper unceasingly and will show his true face.
