5 Some companions work alongsidea friend for their stomach’s sake,but in the heat of battle,they will shield themselves.
6 Don’t forget friends in your heart,and don’t neglect themwhen it comes to your money.
7 Every counselor spews out advice,but some give advicefor their own benefit.
8 Guard yourself against counselors,and know beforehandwhere their interest lies,since they too,will give advice for their own benefitand might cast the lot against you.
9 They might say to you, "Your way is good,"but they will stand asideto see what will happen to you.
10 Don’t consult with peoplewho view you with suspicion;hide your plans from thosewho are jealous of you.
11 Don’t consult with a womanabout her rival,or with the cowardly about war;or with a merchant about business,or with a buyer about a sale;or with a slanderer about gratitude,or with the unmerciful about kindness;or with the idle about anythinginvolving work,or with an annual laborer aboutfinishing a job;or with a lazy household slaveabout a large task.Don’t look to these personsfor any advice.