1. If you treat people with affection, you will always
Benefit the wicked and gain their approval.
١. إِذا ما عَمَمتَ الناسَ بِالأُنسِ لَم تَزَل
لِصاحِبِ سوءٍ مُستَفيداً وَكاسِبا
2. If you shun them, they will pelt you with arrows of hatred.
So mix with them or avoid them as you wish,
٢. فَإِن تُقصِهِم يَرموكَ عَن سَهمِ بُغضَة
فَكُن خَلِطاً أَن شِئتَ أَو كُن مُجانِبا
3. But do not get too close or keep too far away-
Rather, take the middle course between the two.
٣. فَلا تَدنُوَنْ مِنهُم وَلا تُقصِيَنَّهُم
وَلَكِنَّ أَمراً بَينَ ذاك مُقارِبا