Caution in Taking Advice: wisdom from Sirach

When I grew up, I never knew a book in the Bible called Sirach existed because it wasn't in my Bible. Years later I found it when I bought my Harper Collins Study Bible. I believe it has always been in the Bible used by Catholics, but I am no expert on that. The wisdom of Sirach is very practical in nature and a bit hard for me to digest in places, but there are sections of the book that I value greatly. Here's one passage I favor that I think is wise advise for everyone. It's Sirach 37:7-15.

All counselors praise the counsel they give, but some give counsel in their own interest. 
Be wary of a counselor, and learn first what is his interest,
for he will take thought for himself.
He may cast the lot against you and tell you, "Your way is good," 
and then stand aside to see what happens to you.
Do not consult with a woman about her rival 
or with a coward about war,
with a merchant about business
or with a buyer about selling,
with a miser about generosity
or with the merciless about kindness,
with an idler about any work
or with a seasonal laborer about completing his work,
with a lazy servant about a big task-
pay no attention to any advice they give.

But associate with a godly person 
whom you know to be a keeper of the commandments,
who is like-minded with yourself,
and who will grieve with you if you fail.
And heed the counsel of your own heart,
for no one is more faithful to you than it is.
For our own mind sometimes keeps us better informed
than seven sentinels sitting high on a watchtower.
But above all pray to the Most High
that he may direct your way in truth.

                                                                        Peace. Love, Linda