The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus 6

1And instead of a friend become not an enemy; 2Exalt not yourself in the counsel of your soul; 3You will eat up your leaves, and destroy your fruits, 4A wicked soul will destroy him that has gotten it, a laughing stock to his enemies. Or, a rejoicing 5Sweet words will multiply Gr. A sweet throat. a man’s friends; Gr. his. 6Let those that are at peace with you be many; 7If you would get you a friend, get him by proving, Or, in the time of trial 8For there is a friend that is so for his own occasion; 9And there is a friend that turns to enmity; 10And there is a friend that is a companion at the table; 11And in your prosperity he will be as yourself, 12If you shall be brought low, he will be against you, 13Separate yourself from your enemies; 14A faithful friend is a strong defence; Or, covert 15There is nothing that can be taken in exchange for a faithful friend; price. Gr. weight. 16A faithful friend is a medicine of life; 17He that fears the Lord directs his friendship aright; 18My son, gather instruction from your youth up: 19Come to her as one that plows and sows, 20How exceeding harsh is she to the unlearned! 21As a mighty stone of trial will she rest upon him; 22For wisdom is according to her name; and she is not manifest to many. 23Give ear, my son, and accept my judgement, 24And bring your feet into her fetters, 25Put your shoulder under her, and bear her, 26Come to her with all your soul, 27Search, and seek, and she will be made known to you; 28For at the last you will find her rest; she will be turned for you into gladness. Or, it 29And her fetters will be to you for a covering of strength, 30For there is a golden ornament upon her, a riband of blue. Numbers 15:38. 31You shall put her on as a robe of glory, as a crown of rejoicing. 32My son, if you will, you shall be instructed; prudent. Or, shrewd 33If you love to hear, you will receive; 34Stand you in the multitude of the elders; 35Be willing to listen to every godly discourse; 36If you see a man of understanding, get you betimes to him, 37Let your mind dwell upon the ordinances of the Lord,