English Bible
Sirach 6
Big screen- 1Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for thereby you shall inherit an ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a sinner that has a double tongue.
- 2Extol not yourself in the counsel of your own heart; that your soul be not torn in pieces as a bull straying alone.
- 3You shall eat up your leaves, and lose your fruit, and leave yourself as a dry tree.
- 4A wicked soul shall destroy him that has it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.
- 5Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings.
- 6Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.
- 7If you would get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.
- 8For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the day of your trouble.
- 9And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife will discover your reproach.
- 10Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of your affliction.
- 11But in your prosperity he will be as yourself, and will be bold over your servants.
- 12If you be brought low, he will be against you, and will hide himself from your face.
- 13Separate yourself from your enemies, and take heed of your friends.
- 14A faithful friend is a strong defence: and he that has found such an one has found a treasure.
- 15Nothing does countervail a faithful friend, and his excellency is invaluable.
- 16A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lord shall find him.
- 17Whoso fears the Lord shall direct his friendship aright: for as he is, so shall his neighbor be also.
- 18My son, gather instruction from your youth up: so shall you find wisdom till your old age.
- 19Come to her as one that plows and sows, and wait for her good fruits: for you shall not toil much in laboring about her, but you shall eat of her fruits right soon.
- 20She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without understanding will not remain with her.
- 21She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will cast her from him ere it be long.
- 22For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest to many.
- 23Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my counsel,
- 24And put your feet into her fetters, and your neck into her chain.
- 25Bow down your shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with her bonds.
- 26Come to her with your whole heart, and keep her ways with all your power.
- 27Search, and seek, and she shall be made known to you: and when you have got hold of her, let her not go.
- 28For at the last you shall find her rest, and that shall be turned to your joy.
- 29Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for you, and her chains a robe of glory.
- 30For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are purple lace.
- 31You shall put her on as a robe of honor, and shall put her about you as a crown of joy.
- 32My son, if you will, you shall be taught: and if you will apply your mind, you shall be prudent.
- 33If you love to hear, you shall receive understanding: and if you bow your ear, you shall be wise,
- 34Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave to him that is wise.
- 35Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the parables of understanding escape you.
- 36And if you see a man of understanding, get you betimes to him, and let your foot wear the steps of his door.
- 37Let your mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate continually in his commandments: he shall establish your heart, and give you wisdom at your owns desire.