Sirach 6:1-15
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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.
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2 Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy soul be not torn in pieces as a bull [straying alone.]
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3 Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave thyself as a dry tree.
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4 A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.
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5 Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings.
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6 Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.
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7 If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.
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8 For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the day of thy trouble.
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9 And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife will discover thy reproach.
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10 Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of thy affliction.
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11 But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold over thy servants.
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12 If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will hide himself from thy face.
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13 Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy friends.
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14 A faithfull friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure.
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15 Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his excellency is invaluable.