1If you do good, know to whom you do it,

and you will be thanked for your good deeds.

2Do good to the devout, and you will be repaid—

if not by them, certainly by the Most High.

3No good comes to one who persists in evil

or to one who does not give alms.

4Give to the devout, but do not help the sinner.

5Do good to the humble, but do not give to the ungodly;

hold back their bread, and do not give it to them,

for by means of it they might subdue you;

then you will receive twice as much evil

for all the good you have done to them.

6For the Most High also hates sinners

and will inflict punishment on the ungodly.12.6 Other ancient authorities add and he is keeping them for the day of their punishment

7Give to one who is good, but do not help the sinner.

8A friend is not known12.8 Other ancient authorities read punished in prosperity,

nor is an enemy hidden in adversity.

9One's enemies are friendly12.9 Heb: Gk grieved when one prospers,

but in adversity even one's friend disappears.

10Never trust your enemy,

for like corrosion in copper, so is his wickedness.

11Even if he humbles himself and walks bowed down,

take care to be on your guard against him.

Be to him like one who polishes a mirror,

to be sure it does not become completely tarnished.

12Do not put him next to you,

or he may overthrow you and take your place.

Do not let him sit at your right hand,

or else he may try to take your own seat,

and at last you will realize the truth of my words,

and be stung by what I have said.

13Who pities a snake-charmer when he is bitten,

or all those who go near wild animals?

14So no one pities a person who associates with a sinner

and becomes involved in the other's sins.

15He stands by you for a while,

but if you falter, he will not be there.

16An enemy speaks sweetly with his lips,

but in his heart he plans to throw you into a pit;

an enemy may have tears in his eyes,

but if he finds an opportunity he will never have enough of your blood.

17If evil comes upon you, you will find him there ahead of you;

pretending to help, he will trip you up.

18Then he will shake his head, and clap his hands,

and whisper much, and show his true face.