لا تَصحبنَّ سفيهاً ما حييتَ وكنْ

لذي التأدب والأفضالِ مُصطحبا

Do not associate with a fool as long as you live, but make

The one of etiquette and nobility your companion.

فكمْ أديبٍ كَساهُ خلُّه سفها

وكمْ سفيهٍ كساهُ خلُّه أدبا

For how many a polite man has his friendship clothed with folly,

And how many a fool, his friendship clothed him with politeness.

فاخترْ لنفسك خِلاً لا تعُابُ به

لا خيرَ في صاحبٍ يستجلبُ الريبا

So choose for yourself a companion you are not blamed for,

There is no good in a companion who attracts suspicion.