13 He who touches pitch will be defiled.

He who has fellowship with a proud man will become like him.

2 Don’t take up a burden above your strength.

Have no fellowship with one who is mightier and richer than yourself.

What fellowship would the earthen pot have with the kettle?

The kettle will strike, and the pot will be dashed in pieces.

3 The rich man does a wrong and threatens.

The poor is wronged and apologises.

4 If you are profitable, he will exploit you.

If you are in need, he will forsake you.

5 If you own something, he will live with you.

He will drain your resources and will not be sorry.

6 Does he need you? Then he will deceive you,

smile at you, and give you hope.

He will speak kindly to you and say, “What do you need?”

7 He will shame you by his delicacies

until he has made you bare twice or thrice,

and in the end he will laugh you to scorn.

Afterward he will see you, will forsake you,

and shake his head at you.

8 Beware that you are not deceived

and brought low in your enjoyment.

9 If a mighty man invites you, be reserved,

and he will invite you more.

10 Don’t press him, lest you be thrust back.

Don’t stand far off, lest you be forgotten.

11 Don’t try to speak with him as an equal,

and don’t believe his many words;

for he will test you with much talk,

and will examine you in a smiling manner.

12 He who doesn’t keep secrets to himself is unmerciful.

He won’t hesitate to harm and to bind.

13 Keep them to yourself and be careful,

for you walk[fn] in danger of falling. 14 [fn]