37 ⁷ Every counselor praises counsel,
but some give counsel in their own interest.
37 ⁸ Be wary of a counselor, and learn first what is his interest -
for he will take thought for himself -
lest he cast the lot against you
37 ⁹ and tell you, "Your way is good,"
and then stand aloof to see what will happen to you.
37 ¹⁰ Do not consult the one who looks at you suspiciously;
hide your counsel from those who are jealous of you.
37 ¹¹ Do not consult with a woman about her rival
or with a coward about war,
with a merchant about barter
or with a buyer about selling,
with a grudging man about gratitude
or with a merciless man about kindness,
with an idler about any work
or with a man hired for a year
about completing his work,
with a lazy servant about a big task -
pay no attention to these in any matter of counsel.
37 ¹² But stay constantly with a godly man
whom you know to be a keeper of the commandments,
whose soul is in accord with your soul,
and who will sorrow with you if you fail.
37 ¹³ And establish the counsel of your own heart,
for no one is more faithful to you than it is.
37 ¹⁴ For a man's soul sometimes keeps him better informed
than seven watchmen sitting high on a watchtower.
37 ¹⁵ And besides all this pray to the Most High
that he may direct your way in truth.