8 A man’s friend won’t be[fn] fully tried in prosperity.

His enemy won’t be hidden in adversity.

9 In a man’s prosperity, his enemies are grieved.

In his adversity, even his friend leaves.

10 Never trust your enemy,

for his wickedness is like corrosion in copper.

11 Though he humbles himself and walks bowed down,

still be careful and beware of him.

You will be to him as one who has wiped a mirror,

to be sure it doesn’t completely tarnish.

12 Don’t set him next to you,

lest he overthrow you and stand in your place.

Don’t let him sit on your right hand,

lest he seek to take your seat,

and at the last you acknowledge my words,

and be pricked with my sayings.

13 Who will pity a charmer that is bitten by a snake,

or any who come near wild animals?

14 Even so, who will pity him who goes to a sinner,

and is associated with him in his sins?

15 Because a while he will stay with you,

and if you falter, he will not stay.

16 The enemy will speak sweetly with his lips,

and in his heart plan to throw you into a pit.

The enemy may weep with his eyes,

but if he finds opportunity, he will want more blood.

17 If adversity meets you, you will find him there before you.

Pretending to help you, he will trip you.

18 He will shake his head, clap his hands,

whisper much, and change his countenance.