1 Every friend says, “I am his friend also.”
But there is a friend, which is only a friend in name.
2 Is it not a grief unto death,
When a companion and friend is turned to an enemy?
3 O wicked thoughts, where have you come from,
To cover the earth with deceit?
4 There is a companion, who rejoices in the prosperity of a friend,
But in the time of trouble shall be against him.
5 There is a companion, who helps his friend for his stomach,
And takes up a shield against the enemy.
6 Do not forget your friend in your heart,
And do not forget him in your wealth.
7 Every counsellor extolls counsel;
But some who counsel for themselves.
8 Beware of a counsellor, and know before what need he has;
For he shall counsel for himself;
And cast the lot against you,
9 And say to you, “Your way is good.”
And afterward stand on the other side, to see what shall befall you.
10 Do not consult with one that suspects you;
And hide your counsel from those who envy you.
11 Nor consult with a woman regarding she of whom she is jealous;
Nor with a coward in matters of battle;
Nor with a merchant concerning exchange;
Nor with a buyer about selling;
Nor with an envious man about thankfulness;
Nor with a ruthless man regarding kindness;
Nor with the lazy for any work;
Nor with a yearly hired man about finishing work;
Nor with an idle servant of much business.
Do not listen to these in any matter of counsel,
12 But be continually with a reverent man,
Whom you know to guard the Commands of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄,
Whose, mind is according to your mind,
And shall grieve with you, if you fail.
13 And let the counsel of your own heart stand;
For there is no man more trustworthy to you than it.
14 For the mind of a man sometimes tells him more than seven watchmen,
That sit above in a high tower.
15 And above all this, pray to the Most High,
That He directs your way in truth.
16 Let reason go before every work,
And counsel before every action.
17 The face is a sign of changing of the heart.
18 Four ways of all are apparent:
Good and evil, life and death;
But the tongue rules over them continually.
19 There is one who is wise and teaches many,
And yet does not profit himself.
20 There is one who shows wisdom in words, and is hated;
He shall be destitute of all food.
21 For favour is not given to him from 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄,
Because he has neglected all wisdom.
22 Another is wise to himself;
And the fruits of understanding are as praise in his mouth.
23 A wise man instructs his people;
And the fruits of his understanding do not fail.
24 A wise man shall be filled with bireḵoth;
And all those who see him shall regard him as baruḵ.
25 The days of the life of man may be numbered;
But the days of Yisra’ĕl are without number.
26 A wise man shall inherit esteem among his people,
And his name shall be forever.
27 My son, prove your being in your life,
And see what is evil for it, and do not give in to it.
28 For not all is profitable for all men,
Nor has every being pleasure in every matter.
29 Do not be gluttonous in any delicacy,
Nor too greedy with food;
30 For excess of food brings sickness,
And gluttony shall turn to disgust.
31 Many have perished by gluttony;
But he who guards himself prolongs his life.