Chapter 12

12. When thou wilt do good, know to whom thou doest it; so shalt thou be thanked for thy benefits. Do good to the godly man, and thou shalt find a recompence; and if not from him, yet from the most High. There can no good come to him that is always occupied in evil, nor to him that giveth no alms. Give to the ungodly, and he will not be punished; but if thou givest to a righteous man, he will recompense thee. Give to the godly man, and help not the sinner. As the Lord hateth the wicked, so doth he love them that follow after him. A man's heart is wont to turn to his neighbour; but when he is not able to perform it, he is grieved. Thou canst not have friendship with a wicked man, but by some advantage: For he will not abide in thy trouble, but in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold over thy servants. Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it. Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him according to his honour. Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become grievous unto thee: for he will do according to his own will, and thou shalt perish with him through his folly. Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help, he will overthrow thee. Consult not with a fool; for he can neither keep counsel. Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not what he will bring forth. Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with a shrewd turn.