Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 1. Do not be an enemy instead of a friend; For a bad name brings shame and disgrace, And a double-tongued sinner is of such a kind. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 2. Do not exalt yourself with your own counsel, Lest your soul be torn in pieces as by a bull. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 3. You will devour your leaves and lose your fruit, And be left like a withered tree. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 4. An evil soul will destroy him who possesses it And make him an object of malignant joy to his enemies.
Friendships
Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 5. Pleasant speech will multiply his friends, And a gracious tongue will multiply many kind greetings. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 6. Let those who live at peace with you be many, But let your counselors be one in a thousand. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 7. If you gain a friend, gain him in testing, And do not be in a hurry to trust him. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 8. For there is a friend who is such to his own advantage, But he will not remain beside you in the day of your affliction. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 9. There is also a friend who changes into an enemy And will reveal a quarrel to your disgrace. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 10. Again, there is a friend who is a companion at table, But will not stand by you in your day of trouble. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 11. Further, when you prosper, he will be like you And speak boldly to your servants; Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 12. But if you are brought low, he will be against you, And will hide himself from your presence. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 13. Stay away from your enemies And hold onto your friends. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 14. A faithful friend is a strong shelter, And he who finds one finds a treasure. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 15. There is nothing that can take the place of a faithful friend, And there is no way to measure his worth. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 16. A faithful friend is a medicine of life, And those who fear the Lord will find him. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 17. He who fears the Lord guides his friendship rightly, Because as he is, so also is his neighbor.
Instruction Brings Wisdom
Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 18. My son, from your youth up, choose instruction, And you will find wisdom also into old age. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 19. Come to her as one who plows and sows, And wait expectantly for her good fruits; For in her work you will labor a little while, Then you will quickly eat of her fruit. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 20. She is very harsh on the undisciplined And on the one who lacks the heart to continue with her. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 21. She will be like a heavy stone of trial upon him, And he will not delay to throw her off. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 22. For wisdom is like her name and is not manifest to many. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 23. Listen, my son, and accept my judgment, And do not reject my advice. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 24. Put your feet into her fetters and your neck into her collar. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 25. Put your shoulder under her and carry her, And do not be angry with her bonds. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 26. Come to her with all your soul, And keep her ways with all your strength. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 27. Search for her and seek her out, And she will become known to you; And when you become self-controlled, do not let her go. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 28. For in the end you will find her rest, And she will turn to you in gladness. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 29. Then her fetters will be as a strong protection for you, And her collar a glorious robe. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 30. For there is a golden adornment upon her, And her bonds are a blue thread. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 31. You will wear her as a glorious robe And put her on yourself as a crown of exceeding joy. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 32. If you are willing, my son, you will be taught, And if you apply yourself, you will be prudent. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 33. If you love to listen, you will wait with anticipation, And if you incline your ear, you will be wise. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 34. Stand in an assembly of elders, And who is wise? Attach yourself to him. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 35. Desire to listen to every divine narrative, And do not let proverbs of understanding escape you. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 36. If you see a man who has understanding, Rise early in the morning And let your foot wear out the threshold of his door. Wisdom of Sirach 6, verse 37. Set your mind on the ordinances of the Lord And practice His commandments. He will strengthen your heart continually, And the desire for wisdom will be given to you.