2. Take not up a burden above your strength; And have no fellowship with one that is mightier and richer than yourself. What fellowship shall the earthen pot have with the kettle? This shall strike, and that shall be dashed in pieces.
3. The rich man does a wrong, and he threatens withal: The poor is wronged, and he shall entreat withal.
4. If you be profitable, he will make merchandise of you; And if you be in lack, he will forsake you.
5. If you have substance, he will live with you; And he will make you bare, and will not be sorry.
6. Hath he had need of you? then he will deceive you, And smile upon you, and give you hope: He will speak you fair, and say, What need you?
7. And he will shame you by his meats, Until he have made you bare twice or thrice, And at the last he will laugh you to scorn: Afterward will he see you, and will forsake you, And shake his head at you.
8. Beware that you be not deceived, and brought low in your mirth.
9. If a mighty man invite you, be retiring, And so much the more will he invite you.
10. Press not upon him, lest you be thrust back; And stand not far off, lest you be forgotten.
11. Affect not to speak with him as an equal, And believe not his many words: For with much talk will he try you, And in a smiling manner will search you out.