Sirach 6

1Do not become an enemy instead of a friend, for an evil name will inherit shame and disgrace; so it is with a sinful man of double tongue.

2Do not fall into the power of your own desire, lest your strength be consumed against you.

3It will consume your leaves and uproot your fruit, and leave you like a dry tree.

4For a fierce soul destroys its owner, and the rejoicing of an enemy overtakes him.

5A sweet palate multiplies friends, and gracious lips ask after peace.

6Let those at peace with you be many, but your confidant one out of a thousand.

7If you acquire a friend, acquire him through testing, and do not quickly put your trust in him.

8For there is a friend for the occasion, and he will not stand firm in the day of distress.

9There is a friend who turns into an enemy, and he will expose the quarrel that brings your disgrace.

10There is a friend who is a table-companion, but he will not be found in a day of trouble.

11In your prosperity he is like you, but in your adversity he will separate himself from you.

12If trouble overtakes you, he will turn against you and hide himself from you.

13Keep away from your enemies, and be on guard against your friends.

14A faithful friend is a strong refuge, and whoever finds one has found a treasure.

15There is no price for a faithful friend, and there is no weighing his worth.

16A faithful friend is a bundle of life, and one who fears the Lord will attain him.

17For as he is, so is his friend, and as his name, so are his deeds.

18My son, from your youth receive instruction, and until gray hair you will attain wisdom.

19Draw near to her like one who plows and reaps, and wait for her abundant produce. For in her service you will labor only a little, and before long you will eat her fruit.

20It is difficult for a fool, and one lacking sense will not endure it.

21It will be upon him like a heavy stone, and he will not delay to throw it off.

22For discipline is true to its name, and it is not evident to many.

23Listen, my son, and accept my judgment, and do not reject my counsel.

24Put your feet into her fetters, and your neck into her collar.

25Bend your shoulder and carry her, and do not be disgusted by her bonds.

26Approach her with all your soul, and with all your strength keep to her ways.

27Search out and investigate; seek, and find. Hold fast to her, and do not let her go.

28For in the end you will find its rest, and it will turn for you into delight.

29Its net will become for you a strong refuge, and its cords garments of fine gold.

30Its yoke is a golden ornament, and its bonds are a cord of blue thread.

31You will wear her like garments of honor, and you will crown yourself with her like a crown of splendor.

32If you desire it, my son, you will become wise; and if you set your heart on it, you will become shrewd.

33If you are willing to listen, you will receive instruction; if you incline your ear, you will become wise.

34Be eager to hear every discourse, and do not let a proverb of understanding escape you.

35See who has understanding, and seek him out; and let your foot wear out his threshold.

36Reflect on the fear of the Most High and on his commandments; meditate continually.

37He will give understanding to your heart, and what you have desired will make you wise.