دع الخب والزم صحبة الشهم وانقلب

دع الخب والزم صحبة الشهم وانقلب

بطبعك عمن طبعه يتقلب

بطبعك عمن طبعه يتقلب

Shun the schemer, keep company with the noble-hearted, and turn

Leave vice and keep company with the noble

Instinctively away from one whose nature keeps changing.

And turn away in character from one whose character turns

فخير الاخلاء المقيم على الوفا

فخير الاخلاء المقيم على الوفا

وشر الاخلاء الفتى المتعتب

وشر الاخلاء الفتى المتعتب

For the best of close friends is one steadfast in loyalty,

For the best friend is he who is faithful

And the worst of close friends is the reproachful young man.

And the worst friend is the brooding youth