2 Do not lift a weight too heavy for you,

or associate with one mightier and richer than you.

How can the clay pot associate with the iron kettle?

The pot will strike against it and be smashed.

3 A rich person does wrong, and even adds insults;

a poor person suffers wrong, and must add apologies.

4 A rich persona will exploit you if you can be of use to him,

but if you are in need he will abandon you.

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

he will drain your resources without a qualm.

6 When he needs you he will deceive you,

and will smile at you and encourage you;

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

7 He will embarrass you with his delicacies,

until he has drained you two or three times,

and finally he will laugh at you.

Should he see you afterwards, he will pass you by

and shake his head at you.

8 Take care not to be led astray

and humiliated when you are enjoying yourself.b

9 When an influential person invites you, be reserved,

and he will invite you more insistently.

10 Do not be forward, or you may be rebuffed;

do not stand aloof, or you will be forgotten.

11 Do not try to treat him as an equal,

or trust his lengthy conversations;

for he will test you by prolonged talk,

and while he smiles he will be examining you.

12 Cruel are those who do not keep your secrets;

they will not spare you harm or imprisonment.

13 Be on your guard and very careful,

for you are walking about with your own downfall.c