Sirach 37:9-11

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

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 generosity^[a]
    or with the merciless about kindness,
with an idler about any work
    or with a seasonal laborer about finishing the job,
with a lazy slave about a big task—
    pay no attention to any advice they give.^(A)