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7  All counselors praise the counsel they give,

       but some give counsel in their own interest.

8  Be wary of a counselor,

       and learn first what is his interest,

       for he will take thought for himself.

   He may cast the lot against you

9   and tell you, "Your way is good,"

       and then stand aside to see what happens to you.

10  Do not consult the one who regards you with suspicion;

       hide your intentions from those who are jealous of you.

11  Do 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 generosityc

       or with the merciless about kindness,

   with an idler about any work

       or with a seasonal laborer about completing his work,

   with a lazy servant about a big task--

       pay no attention to any advice they give.

12  But 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.

13  And heedd the counsel of your own heart,

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

14  For our own mind sometimes keeps us better informed

       than seven sentinels sitting high on a watchtower.

15  But above all pray to the Most High

       that he may direct your way in truth.

Sirach 37, NRSV