Choosing Companions
Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 1. Every friend will say, “I too am your friend,” But sometimes a friend is a friend in name only. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 2. Is it not a grief to the death When a companion and friend turns to hatred? Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 3. O evil reasoning! Why were you involved To cover the land with deceit? Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 4. A companion delights in the gladness of a friend, But in time of affliction, he will be against him. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 5. A companion labors to help a friend for his stomach's sake, And in a time of battle he will take up the shield. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 6. Do not forget a friend in your soul, And do not be unmindful of him with your wealth.
Choosing Counselors
Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 7. Every counselor extols his own counsel, And some offer advice in their own interest. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 8. Protect yourself from a counselor And know beforehand what is his interest; For he will take thought for himself Lest he cast his vote against you Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 9. And say to you, “Your path is good.” Then he will stand aside to see what will happen to you. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 10. Do not consult with a man who looks at you suspiciously, And hide your counsel from those who envy you. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 11. Also, do not consult with a woman about her rival, Nor with a coward about battle, Nor with a merchant about exchange, Nor with a buyer about selling, Nor with a slanderer about gratitude, Nor with an unmerciful man about generosity, Nor with an idler about any work, Nor with a seasonal hired hand about completing his work, Nor with a lazy servant about a big job. Pay no attention to these in any counsel. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 12. Instead, persevere with a godly man Who you know keeps the commandments, Whose soul accords with your soul And will share in your suffering if you fall. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 13. Stand firm on the counsel of your heart, For no one is more faithful to you than it. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 14. For a man's soul sometimes tells him more Than seven watchmen sitting high on a watchtower. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 15. And in all matters, pray to the Most High That He may direct your way in truth.
Wisdom, False and True
Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 16. A word is the beginning of every work, And counsel comes before every action. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 17. Four types of things appear As a clue to a change of heart: Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 18. Good and evil, life and death; And it is the tongue that continually rules them. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 19. There is an astute man who is a teacher of many, But is useless to his own soul. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 20. A man who devises words craftily will be hated. This man will go hungry, Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 21. For grace was not given to him from the Lord, Because he is destitute of all wisdom. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 22. There is a man wise in his own soul, And the fruits of his understanding are trustworthy when he speaks. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 23. A wise man will instruct his own people, And the fruits of his understanding are trustworthy. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 24. A wise man shall be filled with blessing, And all who see him will consider him blessed. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 25. The life of a man is numbered by days, But the days of Israel are without number. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 26. The wise man will inherit trust among his people, And his name will live forever.
Gluttony
Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 27. My son, while you are still living, test your soul, And see what is bad for it, and do not give in to that. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 28. For not everything is profitable for everyone, And not every soul enjoys everything. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 29. Do not be gluttonous for every dainty food, And do not give yourself over to food. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 30. For overeating will bring sickness, And gluttony will lead to nausea. Wisdom of Sirach 37, verse 31. Many have died because of gluttony, But the careful man will prolong his life.