Be careful not to associate with an evil colleague, for his association will destroy you and his companionship will ruin you

احْذَرْ مُجَالَسَةَ قَرِينِ السَّوْءِ فَإِنَّهُ يَهْلِكُ مُقَارِنَهُ [قَرِينَهُ‏] وَيُرْدِي مُصَاحِبَهُ [صَاحِبَهُ‏]

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The bane of goodness is an evil companion

آفَةُ الْخَيْرِ قَرِينُ السَّوْءِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The consolidation of evil is in association with a wicked companion

جِمَاعُ الشَّرِّ فِي مُقَارَنَةِ قَرِينِ السَّوْءِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

A bad companion is [like] a splinter of hellfire

صَاحِبُ السَّوْءِ قِطْعَةٌ مِنَ النَّارِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

It is only a few of the brothers who are fair

قَرِينُ السَّوْءِ شَرُّ قَرِينٍ وَدَاءُ اللُّؤْمِ دَاءٌ دَفِينٌ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Keep away from socializing with evil people for they are like fire the one who comes in contact with it gets burnt

إِيَّاكَ وَمُعَاشَرَةَ الْأَشْرَارِ فَإِنَّهُمْ كَالنَّارِ مُبَاشَرَتُهَا تُحْرِقُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Be careful not to accompany the wicked, for they consider it a favour upon you to keep you safe from themselves

إِيَّاكَ وَمُصَاحَبَةَ الْأَشْرَارِ فَإِنَّهُمْ يَمُنُّونَ [يمشون‏] عَلَيْكَ بِالسَّلَامَةِ مِنْهُمْ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The quickest friendships to get cut off are the friendships of wicked people

أَسْرَعُ الْمَوَدَّاتِ انْقِطَاعاً مَوَدَّاتُ الْأَشْرَارِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

An evil companion is a curse

جَلِيسُ الشَّرِّ نَقِمَةٌ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Keep away from the wicked and sit in the company the virtuous

جَانِبُوا الْأَشْرَارَ وَجَالِسُوا الْأَخْيَارَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Association with the wicked leads one to become evil, just like the wind when it passes by a foul smell, it carries the stench

صُحْبَةُ الْأَشْرَارِ تَكْسِبُ الشَّرَّ كَالرِّيحِ إِذَا مَرَّتْ بِالنَّتْنِ حَمَلَتْ نَتْناً

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Association with the wicked leads one to have negative thoughts about the righteous

صُحْبَةُ الْأَشْرَارِ تُوجِبُ سُوءَ الظَّنِّ بِالْأَخْيَارِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

It is the habit of the wicked to trouble [their] friends

عَادَةُ الْأَشْرَارِ أَذِيَّةُ الرِّفَاقِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

For everything there is a vexation and the vexation of your lifetime is [being in] the company of an enemy

لَيْسَ مَنْ خَالَطَ الْأَشْرَارَ بِذِي مَعْقُولٍ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One who spoils [his relationship with] his friend has reduced his own number

مَنْ صَحِبَ الْأَشْرَارَ لَمْ يَسْلَمْ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One whose evil is too much, [even] his companion is not safe from him

مَنْ كَثُرَ شَرُّهُ لَمْ يَأْمَنْهُ مُصَاحِبُهُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One who calls you towards the Eternal Abode and assists you to work for it, then he is indeed a caring friend

مِنْ سُوءِ الِاخْتِيَارِ صُحْبَةُ الْأَشْرَارِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Accompanying the wicked brings ruin

مُصَاحَبَةُ الْأَشْرَارِ تُوجِبُ التَّلَفَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One who accompanies the wicked is like one who travels by sea, if he is saved from

مُصَاحِبُ الْأَشْرَارِ كَرَاكِبِ الْبَحْرِ إِنْ سَلِمَ مِنَ الْغَرَقِ لَمْ يَسْلَمْ مِنَ الْفَرَقِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Those who sit in the company of the wicked are not safe from the calamities of tribulation

لَا يَأْمَنُ مُجَالِسُو الْأَشْرَارِ غَوَائِلَ الْبَلَاءِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

It behooves the one who recognizes the wicked to disassociate himself from them

يَنْبَغِي لِمَنْ عَرَفَ الْأَشْرَارَ أَنْ يَعْتَزِلَهُمْ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The one who accompanies vileness is censured

مُصَاحِبُ اللُّؤْمِ مَذْمُومٌ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Do not frequent the company of a wicked person, for if you are bestowed with a blessing, he will envy you and if a misfortune befalls you, he will abandon you

لَا تُكْثِرَنَّ [من‏] صُحْبَةَ اللَّئِيمِ فَإِنَّهُ إِنْ صَحِبَتْكَ نِعْمَةٌ حَسَدَكَ وَإِنْ طَرَقَتْكَ نَائِبَةٌ قَذَفَكَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Be wary of the wicked one during the coming of power [and authority], that he does not cause it to be taken away from you and during its departure [from you], that he does not gather support against you

احْذَرِ الشَّرِيرَ عِنْدَ إِقْبَالِ الدَّوْلَةِ لِئَلَّا يُزِيلَهَا عَنْكَ وَعِنْدَ إِدْبَارِهَا لِئَلَّا يُعِينَ عَلَيْكَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The cutting off ties with an immoral person is a gain

قَطِيعَةُ الْفَاجِرِ غُنْمٌ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Do not acquire more ‘worldly’ brothers, for if you become incapable of fulfilling their wishes they turn into enemies; and their example is like the example of fire – a lot of it burns and a little of it benefits

كُنْ بِالْوَحْدَةِ آنَسَ مِنْكَ بِقُرَنَاءِ السَّوْءِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Sitting in the company of wise men enlivens the minds and cures the souls

وَحْدَةُ الْمَرْءِ خَيْرٌ لَهُ مِنْ قَرِينِ السَّوْءِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The bane of goodness is an evil companion

لِكُلِّ شَيْ‏ءٍ آفَةٌ وَآفَةُ الْخَيْرِ قَرِينُ السَّوْءِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

From the signs of turning backward is accompanying the vile

مِنْ عَلَامَاتِ الْإِدْبَارِ مُقَارَنَةُ الْأَرْذَالِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The honourable do not flee from death the way they flee from stinginess and the company of the wicked

مَا فِرَارُ الْكِرَامِ مِنَ الْحِمَامِ كَفِرَارِهِمْ مِنَ الْبُخْلِ وَمُقَارَنَةِ اللِّئَامِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The one who mingles with people is afflicted by the evil associate and the hypocrisy of the enemy

يُبْتَلَى مُخَالِطُ النَّاسِ بِقَرِينِ السَّوْءِ وَمُدَاجَاةِ الْعَدُوّ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Be wary of the fool for verily, being amicable with him will bring you hardship (or exhaust you), agreeing with him will destroy you, disagreeing with him will cause you suffering and keeping his company will be [like] a curse upon you

احْذَرِ الْأَحْمَقَ فَإِنَّ مُدَارَاتَهُ تُعَنِّيكَ وَمُوَافَقَتَهُ تُرْدِيكَ وَمُخَالَفَتَهُ تُؤْذِيكَ وَمُصَاحَبَتَهُ وَبَالٌ عَلَيْكَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Be careful not to befriend a fool, for he will harm you while trying to benefit you

إِيَّاكَ وَمُصَادَقَةَ [مُصَاحَبَةَ] الْأَحْمَقِ فَإِنَّهُ يُرِيدُ أَنْ يَنْفَعَكَ فَيَضُرُّكَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Be careful not to love the fool, for he will surely harm you while he thinks that he is benefitting you and will annoy you while he thinks that he is pleasing you

إِيَّاكَ وَمَوَدَّةَ الْأَحْمَقِ فَإِنَّهُ يَضُرُّكَ مِنْ حَيْثُ يَرَى أَنَّهُ يَنْفَعُكَ وَيَسُوءُكَ وَهُوَ يَرَى أَنَّهُ يَسُرُّكَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Three people are not to be trusted with a secret: the woman, the telltale and the fool

ثَلَاثٌ لَا يُسْتَوْدَعْنَ سِرّاً الْمَرْأَةُ وَالنَّمَّامُ وَالْأَحْمَقُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Accompanying a fool is torment for the soul

صُحْبَةُ الْأَحْمَقِ عَذَابُ الرُّوحِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The friend of a fool is in distress

صَدِيقُ الْأَحْمَقِ فِي تَعَبٍ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Cutting off [ties with] the fool is judiciousness

قَطِيعَةُ الْأَحْمَقِ حَزْمٌ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Be cautious of the fool when you are in his company, of the vicious when you associate with him and of the oppressor when you deal with him

كُنْ عَلَى حَذَرٍ مِنَ الْأَحْمَقِ إِذَا صَاحَبْتَهُ وَمِنَ الْفَاجِرِ إِذَا عَاشَرْتَهُ وَمِنَ الظَّالِمِ إِذَا عَامَلْتَهُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Ungratefulness for a blessing is vileness, and accompanying a fool is [a cause of] misfortune

كُفْرُ النِّعْمَةِ لُؤْمٌ وَصُحْبَةُ الْأَحْمَقِ شُؤْمٌ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One who enters the circle of dimwits is debased

مَنْ دَاخَلَ السُّفَهَاءَ حُقِّرَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Sitting with people of low morals wears out the hearts

مُجَالَسَةُ السَّفِلِ تُضْنِي الْقُلُوبَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Accompanying the dimwit corrupts one’s character

مُقَارَنَةُ السُّفَهَاءِ تُفْسِدُ الْخُلُقَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Putting up with a fool is a torment for the soul

مُقَاسَاةُ الْأَحْمَقِ عَذَابُ الرُّوحِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Never associate with one who has no intelligence

لَا تَصْحَبِ الْمَائِقَ فَيُزَيِّنَ لَكَ فِعْلَهُ وَيَوَدَّ أَنَّكَ مِثْلُهُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

It is befitting for the person who values the friendship of a fool to be humiliated

يَنْبَغِي أَنْ يُهَانَ مُغْتَنِمُ مَوَدَّةِ الْحَمْقَى

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Be just as wary of sitting in the company of the ignorant, as you would be at ease in the company of the intelligent

احْذَرْ مُجَالَسَةَ الْجَاهِلِ كَمَا تَأْمَنُ مِنْ مُصَاحَبَةِ الْعَاقِلِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

If you like to remain safe, then keep away from the companionship of a foolish person

إِذَا أَحْبَبْتَ السَّلَامَةَ فَاجْتَنِبْ مُصَاحَبَةَ الْجَهُولِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

How bad a colleague the ignoramus is!

بِئْسَ الْقَرِينُ الْجَهُولُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The friend of an ignorant person is exposed to harm

صَدِيقُ الْجَاهِلِ مَعْرَضٌ لِلْعَطَبِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The worst person you can accompany is an ignorant one

شَرُّ مَنْ صَاحَبْتَ الْجَاهِلُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The worst companion is an ignorant person

شَرُّ الْأَصْحَابِ الْجَاهِلُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The friend of an ignorant person is troubled and afflicted

صَدِيقُ الْجَاهِلِ مَتْعُوبٌ مَنْكُوبٌ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Cutting off [ties with] the ignorant is equivalent to establishing ties with the intelligent

قَطِيعَةُ الْجَاهِلِ تَعْدِلُ صِلَةَ الْعَاقِلِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One whose company is good will have many companions

مَنْ جَالَسَ الْجُهَّالَ فَلْيَسْتَعِدَّ لِلْقِيلِ وَالْقَالِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One of the conditions of faith is [having] good companionship with one’s brothers

مِنْ عَدَمِ الْعَقْلِ مُصَاحَبَةُ ذَوِي الْجَهْلِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Being in the company of an ignorant person is one of the greatest tribulations

مُصَاحَبَةُ الْجَاهِلِ مِنْ أَعْظَمِ الْبَلَاءِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Do not befriend the disbeliever and do not accompany the ignorant

لَا تُوَادُّوا الْكَافِرَ وَلَا تُصَاحِبُوا الْجَاهِلَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Being bound by straps is better [and more preferable] than accompanying the adversary

الشَّدُّ بِالْقِدِّ وَلَا مُقَارَنَةُ الضِّدِّ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One who stays in the company of his enemy does not enjoy a happy life

لَمْ يَهْنَأِ الْعَيْشَ مَنْ قَارَنَ الضِّدَّ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One who accompanies his adversary exhausts his body

مَنْ قَارَنَ ضِدَّهُ ضَنِيَ جَسَدُهُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Whoever accompanies his adversary, he will expose his flaw and torment his heart

مَنْ قَارَنَ ضِدَّهُ كَشَفَ عَيْبَهُ وَعَذَّبَ قَلْبَهُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

How evil a colleague the enemy is!

بِئْسَ الْقَرِينُ الْعَدُوُّ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

For everything there is a vexation and the vexation of your lifetime is [being in] the company of an enemy

لِكُلِّ شَيْ‏ءٍ نَكَدٌ وَنَكَدُ الْعُمُرِ مُقَارَنَةُ الْعَدُوِّ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The worst companion is the one who changes [his loyalty] quickly

شَرُّ الْأَصْحَابِ السَّرِيعُ الِانْقِلَابِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Avoid the company of a liar, but if you are forced to be in his company then do not accept his words as true, and do not let him know that you belie him, for he will readily turn away from your friendship rather than abandoning his habit [of lying]

اجْتَنِبْ مُصَاحَبَةَ الْكَذَّابِ فَإِنِ اضْطُرِرْتَ إِلَيْهِ فَلَا تُصَدِّقْهُ وَلَا تُعْلِمْهُ أَنَّكَ تُكَذِّبُهُ فَإِنَّهُ يَنْتَقِلُ عَنْ وُدِّكَ وَلَا يَنْتَقِلُ عَنْ طَبْعِهِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Be cautious of the company of one whose opinion is accepted but whose actions are evil, for surely a person is judged by the company he keeps

احْذَرْ مُصَاحَبَةَ كُلِّ مَنْ يُقْبَلُ رَأْيُهُ وَيُنْكَرُ عَمَلُهُ فَإِنَّ الصَّاحِبَ مُعْتَبِرٌ بِصَاحِبِهِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Be careful not to accompany the immoral, the wretched, and those who openly disobey the commandments of Allah

احْذَرْ مُصَاحَبَةَ الْفُسَّاقِ وَالْفُجَّارِ وَالْمُجَاهِرِينَ بِمَعَاصِي اللَّهِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Be careful not to remain in the company of the immoral, for surely evil clings to evil

إِيَّاكَ وَمُصَاحَبَةَ الْفُسَّاقِ فَإِنَّ الشَّرَّ بِالشَّرِّ يَلْحَقُ [مُلْحَقٌ‏]

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Be careful not to associate with the one who makes you negligent and deceives you, for he will surely forsake you and destroy you

إِيَّاكَ وَمُصَاحَبَةَ أَهْلِ الْفُسُوقِ فَإِنَّ الرَّاضِي بِفِعْلِ قَوْمٍ كَالدَّاخِلِ مَعَهُمْ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Be careful not to associate with the sinners, for verily one who is pleased with the actions of a group is like one of them

إِيَّاكُمْ وَمُصَادَقَةَ الْفَاجِرِ فَإِنَّهُ يَبِيعُ مُصَادِقَهُ بِالتَّافِهِ الْمُحْتَقِرِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Keep away from socializing with those who look for the faults (or sins) of people, for indeed even their companion is not safe from them

إِيَّاكَ وَمُعَاشَرَةَ مُتَتَبِّعِي عُيُوبِ النَّاسِ فَإِنَّهُ لَمْ يَسْلَمْ مُصَاحِبُهُمْ [مُصَاحِبُهُ مِنْهُ‏] مِنْهُمْ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Beware of depending on the vile one, for indeed he forsakes the one who depends on him

إِيَّاكَ أَنْ تَعْتَمِدَ عَلَى اللَّئِيمِ فَإِنَّهُ يَخْذُلُ مَنِ اعْتَمَدَ عَلَيْهِ [بِالسَّلَامَةِ مِنْهُمْ‏]

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Be cautious of the vile one when you honour him, and the depraved one when you bring him forward, and the lowly one when you raise him

احْذَرِ اللَّئِيمَ إِذَا أَكْرَمْتَهُ وَالرَّذْلَ [الرَّذِيلَ‏] إِذَا قَدَّمْتَهُ وَالسَّفِلَةَ [السَّفِيلَ‏] إِذَا رَفَعْتَهُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Be careful not to alienate the one who has affection for you in such a manner that he opts to distance himself and prefers to separate himself from you

إِيَّاكَ وَصُحْبَةَ مَنْ أَلْهَاكَ وَأَغْرَاكَ فَإِنَّهُ يَخْذُلُكَ وَيُوبِقُكَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

How evil an associate the spiteful person is!

بِئْسَ الْعَشِيرُ الْحَقُودُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Holding a post with kings is a key of tribulation and the seed of affliction

الْمَكَانَةُ مِنَ الْمُلُوكِ مِفْتَاحُ الْمِحْنَةِ وَبَذْرُ الْفِتْنَةِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Accompany the ruler with caution, the friend with humility and cheerfulness, and the enemy with that which you can [use to] establish your proof over him

اصْحَبِ السُّلْطَانَ بِالْحَذَرِ وَالصَّدِيقَ بِالتَّوَاضُعِ وَالْبِشْرِ وَالْعَدُوَّ بِمَا تَقُومُ بِهِ عَلَيْهِ حُجَّتُكَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The king’s courtier is like a person who is riding on a lion, people are envious of his status while he is more aware of his own [dangerous] position

صَاحِبُ السُّلْطَانِ كَرَاكِبِ الْأَسَدِ يُغْبَطُ بِمَوْقِفِهِ وَهُوَ أَعْرَفُ بِمَوْضِعِهِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Never visit kings frequently, for they are such that if you accompany them they will become weary of you and if you advise them sincerely they will debase you

لَا تُكْثِرَنَّ الدُّخُولَ عَلَى الْمُلُوكِ فَإِنَّهُمْ إِنْ صَحِبْتَهُمْ مَلُّوكَ وَإِنْ نَصَحْتَهُمْ غَشُّوكَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Do not desire to mingle with kings, for indeed they consider replying salutations to be too much speech and striking the necks to be insignificant punishment

لَا تَرْغَبْ فِي خُلْطَةِ الْمُلُوكِ فَإِنَّهُمْ يَسْتَكْثِرُونَ مِنَ الْكَلَامِ رَدَّ السَّلَامِ وَيَسْتَقِلُّونَ مِنَ الْعِقَابِ ضَرْبَ الرِّقَابِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Never desire to gain the affection of kings, for indeed they will forsake you when you are most intimate with them and they will cut you off when you are closest to them

لَا تَطْمَعَنَّ فِي مَوَدَّةِ الْمُلُوكِ فَإِنَّهُمْ يُوحِشُونَكَ آنَسَ مَا تَكُونُ بِهِمْ وَيَقْطَعُونَكَ أَقْرَبَ مَا تَكُونُ إِلَيْهِمْ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Your longing for the one who has no interest in you is a humiliation

رَغْبَتُكَ فِي زَاهِدٍ فِيكَ ذُلٌّ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Remaining alongside a noble-minded person in humiliation is better than accompanying the wicked in order to gain favour

لُزُومُ الْكَرِيمِ عَلَى الْهَوَانِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ صُحْبَةِ اللَّئِيمِ عَلَى الْإِحْسَانِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One whose social interaction increases, his piety (or reliability) decreases

مَنْ كَثُرَ خُلْطَتُهُ قَلَّتْ تَقِيَّتُهُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One whose visits increase, his cheerfulness decreases

مَنْ كَثُرَتْ زِيَارَتُهُ قَلَّتْ بَشَاشَتُهُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Whoever mingles with the people, his piety decreases?

مَنْ خَالَطَ النَّاسَ قَلَّ وَرَعُهُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One who mingles with the people is affected by their devices

مَنْ خَالَطَ النَّاسَ نَالَهُ مَكْرُهُمْ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One who does not assist you by [his] accompanying you, then his company is [actually] a burden on you, if [only] you knew

مَنْ لَمْ يَصْحَبْكَ مُعِيناً عَلَى نَفْسِكَ‏ فَصُحْبَتُهُ وَبَالٌ عَلَيْكَ إِنْ عَلِمْتَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Disassociating oneself from loathsome actions and traits subdues the enemy

مُبَايَنَةُ الدَّنَايَا تَكْبِتُ الْعَدُوَّ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Sitting with the common people corrupts one’s habits

مُجَالَسَةُ الْعَوَامِّ تُفْسِدُ الْعَادَةَ [الْعِبَادَةَ]

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Drowning he will still not be saved from the fear [of drowning]

مُجَالَسَةُ أَبْنَاءِ الدُّنْيَا مَنْسَاةٌ لِلْإِيمَانِ قَائِدَةٌ إِلَى طَاعَةِ الشَّيْطَانِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Do not follow the claimants [of Islam] whose dirty water you drink along with your clean one, whose sicknesses you mix with your health and whose falsehood you allow to enter into your rightful matters

لَا تُطِيعُوا الْأَدْعِيَاءَ الَّذِينَ شَرِبْتُمُ بِصَفْوِكُمْ كَدَرَهُمْ وَخَلَطْتُمْ بِصِحَّتِكُمْ مَرَضَهُمْ وَأَدْخَلْتُمْ فِي حَقِّكُمْ بَاطِلَهُمْ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Do not associate with those who love this world, for if you have less they will disregard you and if you have more they will envy you

لَا تَصْحَبَنَّ أَبْنَاءَ الدُّنْيَا فَإِنَّكَ إِنْ أَقْلَلْتَ اسْتَثْقَلُوكَ وَإِنْ أَكْثَرْتَ حَسَدُوكَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Do not accompany the one who has lost his mind and do not seek good from one who is betrayed by his roots, for the one who is insane will harm you while he thinks he is helping you and the one who does not have [virtuous] roots will do evil to the one who does good to him

لَا تَصْحَبْ مَنْ فَاتَهُ الْعَقْلُ وَلَا تَصْطَنِعْ مَنْ خَانَهُ الْأَصْلُ فَإِنَّ مَنْ لَا عَقْلَ لَهُ يَضُرُّكَ مِنْ حَيْثُ يَرَى أَنَّهُ يَنْفَعُكَ وَمَنْ لَا أَصْلَ لَهُ يُسِي‏ءُ إِلَى مَنْ يُحْسِنُ إِلَيْهِ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The companionship of the unintelligent is not enjoyable

لَا تَحْلُوا مُصَاحَبَةُ غَيْرِ أَرِيبٍ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Friendship does not become pure [and sincere] with one who is not well-mannered

لَا تَصْفُو الْخُلَّةُ مَعَ غَيْرِ أَدِيبٍ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

There is no good in a helper who humiliates

لَا خَيْرَ فِي مُعِينٍ مُهِينٍ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Many a person who relies on something [or someone] gets ashamed

رُبَّ وَاثِقٍ خَجِلٌ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One who enters into a place of evil is [suspected and] accused

مَنْ دَخَلَ مَدَاخِلَ السَّوْءِ اتُّهِمَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One whose choice is bad, his results become ugly

مَنْ سَاءَ اخْتِيَارُهُ قَبُحَتْ آثَارُهُ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

One who comes near the despicable is accused

مَنْ قَرُبَ مِنَ الدَّنِيَّةِ اتُّهِمَ

Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech