Sirach 22:17-25

1. 17 A heart settled upon a thought of understanding is as a fair plaistering on the wall of a gallery.

2. 18 Pales set on an high place will never stand against the wind: so a fearful heart in the imagination of a fool cannot stand against any fear.

3. 19 He that pricketh the eye will make tears to fall: and he that pricketh the heart maketh it to shew her knowledge.

4. 20 Whoso casteth a stone at the birds frayeth them away: and he that upbraideth his friend breaketh friendship.

5. 21 Though thou drewest a sword at thy friend, yet despair not: for there may be a returning [to favour.]

6. 22 If thou hast opened thy mouth against thy friend, fear not; for there may be a reconciliation: except for upbraiding, or pride, or disclosing of secrets, or a treacherous wound: for for these things every friend will depart.

7. 23 Be faithful to thy neighbour in his poverty, that thou mayest rejoice in his prosperity: abide stedfast unto him in the time of his trouble, that thou mayest be heir with him in his heritage: for a mean estate is not always to be contemned: nor the rich that is foolish to be had in admiration.

8. 24 As the vapour and smoke of a furnace goeth before the fire; so reviling before blood.

9. 25 I will not be ashamed to defend a friend; neither will I hide myself from him.

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