Sirach 6

1 Do not become an enemy instead of a friend. An evil name inherits shame and disgrace; so does a double-tongued sinner. 2 Do not exalt yourself by following your own soul’s counsel, or your soul may be torn apart like a bull. 3 You will devour your leaves, lose your fruit, and leave yourself like a dry tree. 4 An evil soul destroys the one who possesses it and makes him an object of delight to his enemies. 5 A pleasant voice multiplies friends, and a gracious tongue multiplies kind greetings.

6 Let many live at peace with you, but choose only one counselor from a thousand. 7 If you acquire a friend, acquire him through testing, and do not trust him too quickly. 8 Some people are friends when it suits them but will not remain with you in a time of distress. 9 Some friends turn into enemies and disclose a quarrel that brings you disgrace. 10 Some friends are companions at the table but will not remain with you in a time of distress.

11 When things go well for you, he will act as if he were you and speak freely to your household servants. 12 If you are brought low, he will turn against you and hide from your face. 13 Keep your distance from your enemies, and be cautious even with your friends. 14 A faithful friend is a strong shelter; whoever finds one finds a treasure. 15 Nothing can be exchanged for a faithful friend, and no scale can measure his beauty.

16 A faithful friend is medicine that brings life, and those who fear the Lord will find one. 17 Whoever fears the Lord directs his friendship well, because his neighbor will be like him. 18 My child, choose instruction from your youth, and you will find wisdom even when your hair is gray. 19 Approach her like someone who plows and sows, and wait for her good fruits. You will labor only a little in cultivating her and will soon eat her produce. 20 She is very harsh to the uninstructed, and a person without sense will not remain with her.

21 She will weigh on him like a heavy testing stone, and he will soon throw her away. 22 Wisdom lives up to her name, and she is not evident to many. 23 Listen, my child, accept my judgment, and do not reject my counsel. 24 Put your feet into her shackles and your neck into her collar. 25 Lower your shoulder and carry her, and do not resent her bonds.

26 Approach her with your whole soul and keep her ways with all your strength. 27 Track her down and seek her, and she will become known to you. Once you have taken hold of her, do not let her go. 28 In the end you will find her rest, and she will turn into gladness for you. 29 Her shackles will become a strong shelter for you, and her collars a glorious robe. 30 She wears a golden ornament, and her bonds are woven with blue thread.

31 You will put her on like a glorious robe and place her around you like a crown of rejoicing. 32 If you are willing, my child, you will receive instruction; if you apply your soul, you will become shrewd. 33 If you love to listen, you will receive understanding; if you incline your ear, you will become wise. 34 Stand among the elders. When you find someone wise, hold fast to him. 35 Be willing to hear every account concerning God, and do not let proverbs of understanding escape you.

36 If you see an understanding person, rise early to visit him, and let your foot wear down the steps of his doors. 37 Reflect on the Lord’s decrees and meditate continually on his commands. He will strengthen your heart, and your desire for wisdom will be granted.