1Every friend declares friendship,

but there are friends who are friends in name only.a

2Is it not a sorrow unto death

when your other self becomes your enemy?

3“Alas, my companion! Why were you created

to fill the earth with deceit?”

4A harmful friend will look to your table,

but in time of trouble he stands aloof.

5A good friend will fight with you against the foe,

and against your enemies he will hold up your shield.

6Do not forget your comrade during the battle,

and do not neglect him when you distribute your spoils.

7Every counselor points out a way,

but some counsel ways of their own.

8Watch out when one offers advice;

find out first of all what he wants.

For he also may be thinking of himself—

Why should the opportunity fall to him?

9He may tell you how good your way will be,

and then stand by to see you impoverished.

10Seek no advice from your father-in-law,

and from one who is envious of you, keep your intentions hidden.

11Seek no advice from a woman about her rival,

from a coward about war,

from a merchant about business,

from a buyer about value,

from a miser about generosity,

from a cruel person about well-being,

from a worthless worker about his work,

from a seasonal laborer about the harvest,

from an idle slave about a great task—

pay no attention to any advice they give.

12Instead, associate with a religious person,

who you know keeps the commandments;

Who is like-minded with yourself

and will grieve for you if you fall.

13Then, too, heed your own heart’s counsel;

for there is nothing you can depend on more.

14The heart can reveal your situation

better than seven sentinels on a tower.

15Then with all this, pray to God

to make your steps firm in the true path.