Maitrāyaṇīya Āraṇyaka 7.8

who vainly wish to challenge those versed in the Vedas by means of false arguments, illustrations, jugglery, and tricks of magic—one should not live together with them. For they are openly visible thieves, unfit for heaven. For thus it is said: / "Deceived by magicians asserting selflessness, and by false examples and reasons, / the bewildered world does not know what is the difference between Vedic knowledge [and the rest]."

Bṛhaspati, having become Śukra, created this ignorance for the security of Indra and for the destruction of the Asuras. Through this [ignorance]

they declare the auspicious to be inauspicious, and the inauspicious to be auspicious;

they say, "Let there be contemplation of doctrines harmful to the Vedas and other sacred texts." Therefore,

one should not study this [false doctrine]; it is wrong, it is truly barren. Its only fruit is sensual pleasure, like that of one fallen from conduct;

it must not be undertaken. For thus it is said:

"Far apart are these two, divergent and leading in different directions: / ignorance, and that which is known as knowledge.

I consider Naciketas desirous of knowledge; / many desires have not distracted you."