1 If you show kindness, know to whom you show it, And you shall be thanked for your good deeds.
2 Do good to a godly man, and you will be repaid— If not by him, then certainly by the Most High.
3 There shall be no good things for him who continues in evil things, Or for him who does not give alms cheerfully.
4 Give to a godly man, but do not help the sinner.
5 Do good to a humble man, but do not give to an ungodly man. Hold back his bread and do not give it to him, Lest by it he lord it over you. For you will receive twice as much evil coming back For all the good you did for him.
6 For the Most High also hates sinners And will render punishment on the ungodly.
7 Give to the good man, but do not help the sinner.
8 A friend will not be revealed when you are prosperous, Nor will an enemy hide him self when you are in adversity .
9 When a man prospers, his enemies are grieved, But when he is in adversity, even a friend will separate him self.
10 Never trust your enemy, For as copper becomes rusty, so is his evil.
11 Even if he acts humble and goes about with a humble posture, Watch yourself, and be on your guard. Then you shall be to him like him who wipes off a mirror, And you will know that it is not corroded continually.
12 Do not let him stand by your side, Lest he overthrow you and take your place. Do not seat him on your right, Lest he seek your seat of honor. Then at last you will know the truth of my words, And because of my words you will be pierced with sorrow.
13 Who will pity a snake charmer when he is bitten, Or those who go near wild animals?
14 So no one will pity one who approaches a sinful man And gets involved in his sins.
15 He will stay with you for a while, But if you turn aside from him, he will not put up with you.
16 An enemy speaks sweetly with his lips, But in his heart he will plan to throw you into a pit. An enemy will shed tears, but if he finds an opportunity, He will not be satisfied apart from shedding your blood.
17 If evil comes upon you, You will find your enemy there ahead of you, And as he pretends to help you, He will pull your feet from under you.
18 He will shake his head and applaud with his hands; And he will whisper many things and alter his expression.