Sirach 6
-
1 Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for [thereby] thou shalt inherit an ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a sinner that hath a double tongue.
-
2 Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy soul be not torn in pieces as a bull [straying alone.]
-
3 Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave thyself as a dry tree.
-
4 A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.
-
5 Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings.
-
6 Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.
-
7 If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.
-
8 For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the day of thy trouble.
-
9 And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife will discover thy reproach.
-
10 Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of thy affliction.
-
11 But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold over thy servants.
-
12 If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will hide himself from thy face.
-
13 Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy friends.
-
14 A faithfull friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure.
-
15 Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his excellency is invaluable.
-
16 A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lord shall find him.
-
17 Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright: for as he is, so shall his neighbour be also.
-
18 My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou find wisdom till thine old age.
-
19 Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for her good fruits: for thou shalt not toil much in labouring about her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon.
-
20 She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without understanding will not remain with her.
-
21 She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will cast her from him ere it be long.
-
22 For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest unto many.
-
23 Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my counsel,
-
24 And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her chain.
-
25 Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with her bonds.
-
26 Come unto her with thy whole heart, and keep her ways with all thy power.
-
27 Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee: and when thou hast got hold of her, let her not go.
-
28 For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be turned to thy joy.
-
29 Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her chains a robe of glory.
-
30 For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are purple lace.
-
31 Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her about thee as a crown of joy.
-
32 My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent.
-
33 If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,
-
34 Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave unto him that is wise.
-
35 Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the parables of understanding escape thee.
-
36 And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door.
-
37 Let thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate continually in his commandments: he shall establish thine heart, and give thee wisdom at thine owns desire.