XLVI

Keeping Aloof from Vulgar Company

  1. Men of worth fear vulgar company: but little-minded men mix with it as if they made one family with it.

  2. Water altereth and taketh the character of the soil through which it floweth: even so the mind taketh the colour of the company with which it consorteth.

  3. The understanding of a man belongeth unto his mind: but his reputation dependeth on the company he keepeth.

  4. The disposition of a man seemeth to reside in his mind: but its veritable abode is the company in which he moveth.

  5. Purity of heart and purity of action depend upon the purity of a man’s company.

  6. The pure of heart shall have a righteous progeny: and everything prospereth unto those that consort with good company.

  7. Purity of heart is a treasure unto a man: and virtuous company bringeth him every glory.

  8. Though themselves are endowed with every virtue, the wise looks upon the company of the pure as a tower of strength.

  9. Virtue leadeth unto heaven: and the company of the good steadieth a man in the practice thereof.

  10. There is no greater ally to a man than good company: and nothing injureth so much as evil company.