False Friends

1Every friend says, ‘I too am a friend’;

but some friends are friends only in name.

2Is it not a sorrow like that for death itself

when a dear friend turns into an enemy?

3O inclination to evil, why were you formed

to cover the land with deceit?

4Some companions rejoice in the happiness of a friend,

but in time of trouble they are against him.

5Some companions help a friend for their stomachs' sake,

yet in battle they will carry his shield.

6Do not forget a friend during the battle,37.6 Heb: Gk in your heart

and do not be unmindful of him when you distribute your spoils.37.6 Heb: Gk him in your wealth

Caution in Taking Advice

7All counsellors praise the counsel they give,

but some give counsel in their own interest.

8Be wary of a counsellor,

and learn first what is his interest,

for he will take thought for himself.

He may cast the lot against you

9and tell you, ‘Your way is good’,

and then stand aside to see what happens to you.

10Do not consult one who regards you with suspicion;

hide your intentions from those who are jealous of you.

11Do 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 generosity37.11 Heb: Gk gratitude

or with the merciless about kindness,

with an idler about any work

or with a seasonal labourer about completing his work,

with a lazy servant about a big task—

pay no attention to any advice they give.

12But 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.

13And heed37.13 Heb: Gk establish the counsel of your own heart,

for no one is more faithful to you than it is.

14For our own mind sometimes keeps us better informed

than seven sentinels sitting high on a watch-tower.

15But above all pray to the Most High

that he may direct your way in truth.

True and False Wisdom

16Discussion is the beginning of every work,

and counsel precedes every undertaking.

17The mind is the root of all conduct;

18it sprouts four branches,37.18 Heb: Gk As a clue to changes of heart four kinds of destiny appear

good and evil, life and death;

and it is the tongue that continually rules them.

19Some people may be clever enough to teach many,

and yet be useless to themselves.

20A skilful speaker may be hated;

he will be destitute of all food,

21for the Lord has withheld the gift of charm,

since he is lacking in all wisdom.

22If a person is wise to his own advantage,

the fruits of his good sense will be praiseworthy.37.22 Other ancient witnesses read trustworthy

23A wise person instructs his own people,

and the fruits of his good sense will endure.

24A wise person will have praise heaped upon him,

and all who see him will call him happy.

25The days of a person's life are numbered,

but the days of Israel are without number.

26One who is wise among his people will inherit honour,37.26 Other ancient authorities read confidence

and his name will live for ever.

Concerning Moderation

27My child, test yourself while you live;

see what is bad for you and do not give in to it.

28For not everything is good for everyone,

and no one enjoys everything.

29Do not be greedy for every delicacy,

and do not eat without restraint;

30for overeating brings sickness,

and gluttony leads to nausea.

31Many have died of gluttony,

but one who guards against it prolongs his life.