Sefer HaMiddot, Distancing the Wicked, Part I/ספר המדות·הרחקת רשעים·חלק ראשון

1The Tzaddik brings a blessing when he enters the house of a wicked person, but only if the house is suitable for a blessing.

2Keep away from the wicked so that you won’t be caught up in their punishment.

3Showing a bit of friendliness to the wicked is permitted in order to avoid hostility.

4There are certain times when doing something good for a totally wicked person pleases God.

5It is forbidden to praise the wicked. However, when such praise also reflects positively upon the Tzaddik, limited praise is permissible.

6One who finds good in the wicked is also called wicked.

7We do not rely on a wicked person even if he has done something properly and in accordance with Torah law.

8Whoever stands as a guarantor for a wicked person succumbs to lustful desires and sickness.

9A wicked person who has completely forsaken God clearly will never have worthy offspring.

10Have no mercy on an enemy of God when he falls into your hands.

11Avoid associating with people who are known for telling lies and you will be worthy of detecting deceivers.

12Whoever despises those who entice people away from God is assured that he won’t be affected by their words.

13The study of Torah drives a wedge between wicked people who have joined forces.

14The Holy One rescues a person who keeps his distance from the wicked.

15When the wicked are scattered, it is a sign of salvation.

16Avoid living in a house once inhabited by a wicked person.

17Don’t talk to those who try to lure you away from God, even to admonish them and bring them closer to Him.

18The wicked joining forces is detrimental to one’s serving God.

19It is fitting and right for God’s holy ones to create barriers and obstacles that will chase away all tyrannical and wicked people from them.