Sirach 37:10-15

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

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 generosity^[a]
    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 heed^[b] 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.