Sirach 6:16-33
-
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,