Sirach 6:1-10

1. 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. 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. 3 Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave thyself as a dry tree.

4. 4 A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.

5. 5 Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings.

6. 6 Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.

7. 7 If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.

8. 8 For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the day of thy trouble.

9. 9 And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife will discover thy reproach.

10. 10 Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of thy affliction.

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