Sirach
6:1 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.
6:2 Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy soul be
not torn in pieces as a bull [straying alone.]
6:3 Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave thyself as a
dry tree.
6:4 A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be
laughed to scorn of his enemies.
6:5 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.
6:7 If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to
credit him.
6:8 For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the
day of thy trouble.
6:9 And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife will
discover thy reproach.
6:10 Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in
the day of thy affliction.
6:11 But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold over thy
servants.
6:12 If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will hide himself
from thy face.
6:13 Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy friends.
6:14 A faithfull friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found such an
one hath found a treasure.
6:15 Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his excellency is
invaluable.
6:16 A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lord
shall find him.
6:17 Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright: for as he is,
so shall his neighbour be also.
6:18 My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou find wisdom
till thine old age.
6:19 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.
6:20 She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without
understanding will not remain with her.
6:21 She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will cast her
from him ere it be long.
6:22 For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest unto many.
6:23 Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my counsel,
6:24 And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her chain.
6:25 Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with her bonds.
6:26 Come unto her with thy whole heart, and keep her ways with all thy
power.
6:27 Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee: and when thou
hast got hold of her, let her not go.
6:28 For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be turned to
thy joy.
6:29 Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her chains a
robe of glory.
6:30 For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are purple lace.
6:31 Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her about thee
as a crown of joy.
6:32 My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt apply thy
mind, thou shalt be prudent.
6:33 If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow
thine ear, thou shalt be wise,
6:34 Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave unto him that is wise.
6:35 Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the parables of
understanding escape thee.
6:36 And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, and
let thy foot wear the steps of his door.
6:37 Let thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate continually
in his commandments: he shall establish thine heart, and give thee
wisdom at thine owns desire.
