Friends and counselors
1Every friend says, “I am your friend, too,” but some friends are only friends in name.
2Is it not a deadly grief when a companion or friend turns into an enemy?
3O evil intention! From where have you sprung, to cover the earth with deceit?
4One kind of comrade takes advantage of his friend’s good fortune; in time of trouble he turns against him. 5Another kind shares his friend’s suffering, for the sake of a meal; when it comes to a fight, he thinks only of saving him self.
6Do not neglect a friend or forget him once you are wealthy.
7All advisers give advice but some seek only their own gain.
8Distrust the person who offers advice, lest he take advantage of you; first of all, ask yourself what he lacks, and what his own interest suggests to him.
9Perhaps he says to you, “You are on the right road,” while he keeps his distance, to see what happens to you.
10Do not seek advice from one who looks at you suspiciously; hide your plans from those who envy you.
11Do not consult a woman about her rival, or a coward about war, or a merchant about exchange rates, or a buyer about selling, or a jealous man about gratitude, or a selfish person about generosity, or an idler about any kind of work, or a casual worker about finishing a job, or a lazy servant about an important task. Do not rely on these people for any advice.
12But go to a trustworthy man whom you know to be a keeper of the commandments, whose soul reflects your own and who will suffer with you, if you fail.
13In the end, keep to your own heart’s advice, since no one deserves to be trusted more than your heart.
14For a man’s soul often gives better advice than seven watchmen placed on a height.
15Besides all this, implore the Almighty to guide your steps in the truth.
16A plan must be at the beginning of all work; reflection comes before every action.
17When you decide, four ways are open before you: 18good, evil, life and death. Your own decision makes the choice.
19A clever man may teach many but do no good for himself.
20A man may be wise, but if his words are rejected he will end up starving,
21not having won the favor of the Lord and being destitute of all wisdom.
22Another man is wise for himself. He himself takes advantage of his wisdom.
23The truly wise man teaches his people, and they benefit by his knowledge.
24The wise man is full of blessings; those who see him call him happy.
25Man’s days are numbered but Israel’s days are countless.
26The wise man will win the confidence of his people; his name will live forever.
27My son, test yourself during the course of your life; see what is harmful and avoid it.
28For everything does not suit everybody, nor is everyone satisfied with all things.
29Do not be insatiable in every pleasure, or be excessive in what you eat; 30for overeating leads to sickness and gluttony brings indigestion. 31Many have died because of gluttony; he who takes care prolongs his life.
