“All counselors praise
The counsel that they give.
But some give counsel
In their own interest.
Be wary of a counselor!
Learn first
What is his interest!
He will take thought
For himself.
He may cast the lot
Against you.
He may tell you.
‘Your way is good.’
Then he may stand aside
To see what happens to you.”
Sirach warns that you should be cautious about consultants. They all think that they are giving you good advice. However, they may be giving you advice that helps them rather than you. After all, they are more interested in themselves than you. They may turn against you. They might say that your idea was good, and then step aside to see what happens.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 