Sirach 37

1 Every friend says, “I too have been a friend,” but some are friends only in name. 2 Is it not a grief leading to death when a companion and friend turns into an enemy? 3 Evil impulse, where did you roll in from to cover the dry land with deceit? 4 Some companions rejoice in a friend’s prosperity but stand against him in a time of distress. 5 Some companions share a friend’s labor for the sake of food and take up a shield when war comes. 6 Do not forget your friend in your soul, and do not forget him when you become wealthy.

7 Every counselor praises counsel, but some counsel only for themselves. 8 Guard yourself from a counselor and learn first what he needs, for he will counsel in his own interest. Otherwise he may cast the lot against you 9 and tell you, “Your path is good,” then stand opposite you to watch what happens. 10 Do not consult someone who views you with suspicion, and hide your plans from those who envy you. 11 Do not consult a woman about her rival, a coward about war, a merchant about exchange, a buyer about a sale, an envious person about gratitude, a merciless person about kindness, a lazy person about any work, a yearly hired worker about finishing a job, or an idle household servant about a great deal of work. Do not depend on any of these for counsel. 12 Instead, remain with a devout man whom you know keeps the commands, whose soul is like your own and who will grieve with you if you stumble. 13 Also hold firmly to the counsel of your own heart, for no one is more faithful to you than it is. 14 A person’s soul can sometimes tell him more than seven watchmen sitting high on a lookout. 15 Above all, pray to the Most High to direct your path in truth.

16 Every undertaking begins with a word, and counsel comes before every action. 17 A change of heart brings four things to light: 18 good and evil, life and death—and the tongue continually rules over them.

19 Some shrewd people instruct many but are useless to their own souls. 20 Some display wisdom in words but are hated; they will lack all food. 21 The Lord has not given them favor, because they are deprived of all wisdom. 22 Some are wise for their own souls, and the fruits of their understanding are trustworthy on their lips. 23 A wise man instructs his people, and the fruits of his understanding are trustworthy. 24 A wise man will be filled with blessing, and everyone who sees him will call him blessed. 25 A person’s life has a numbered span of days, but Israel’s days are beyond counting. 26 A wise person will inherit trust among his people, and his name will live forever.

27 My child, test your soul during your life. See what is harmful to it, and do not give it that. 28 Not everything benefits everyone, and not every soul is pleased with everything. 29 Do not be greedy for every delicacy or pour yourself out over food. 30 Many foods bring sickness, and gluttony leads to stomach illness. 31 Many have died through gluttony, but whoever pays attention will prolong his life.