I have not sat with men of deceit, nor, with dissemblers, would I enter;
I sat not in the circle of mockers, Nor became I uproarious,—Because of thy hand, by myself did I sit, For with indignation, hadst thou filled me.
BOOK THE FIRST How happy the man, who hath not walked in the counsel of the lawless,—and, in the way of sinners, hath not stood, and, in the seat of scoffers, hath not sat;
He that walketh with the wise, becometh wise, but, the friend of dullards, becometh foolish.
Depart from me, ye evil-doers,—that I may observe the commandments of my God.
Wherefore come ye forth out of their midst, and be separated,—saith the Lord,—and, one impure, do not touch; and, I, will give you welcome,
Companion, am I, to all who revere thee, and to them who keep thy precepts.
Be not deceiving yourselves,—evil communications corrupt gentle manners:—
He that tilleth his land, shall be filled with food, but, he that runneth after worthless men, lacketh sense.
Forsake the simple ones, and live, and advance in the way of understanding.
Verily I walked not in falsity, nor did my foot haste unto deceit:—
A perverse heart, shall depart from me, A maker of mischief, will I not acknowledge;