8. Every counselor offers advice, but some are counselors only for themselves.
9. Guard your soul from a counselor. And know beforehand what his interests are. For he will form thoughts from his own soul.
10. Otherwise, he may set a signpost in the ground, and he may say to you:
11. "Your own way is good." But then he will stand at a distance to see what befalls you.
12. Do not discuss holiness with an irreligious man, nor justice with one who is unjust. You should not speak with a woman about her who is a rival, nor with a coward about war, nor with a merchant about exaggeration, nor with a buyer about selling, nor with a spiteful man about giving thanks,
13. nor with the impious about piety, nor with the dishonest about honesty, nor with the field worker about other kinds of work,
14. nor with a worker hired for a year about the end of the year, nor with a lazy servant about great works. You should pay no heed to these persons in any matter of counsel.
15. But be continually with a holy man, with anyone whom you know to observe the fear of God,
16. whose soul is in agreement with your own soul, and who, when you falter in the dark, will share your sorrows.
17. And establish a heart of good counsel within yourself. For there is nothing of greater usefulness to you than this.
18. At any time, the soul of a holy man declares more truths than seven vigilant watchmen sitting in a high place.
19. But concerning all things, pray to the Most High, so that he may direct your way in truth.