Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 37

37:1

Every friend will say, “I also am his friend”;

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37:2

Isn’t there a grief in it even to death

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37:3

O wicked imagination, why were you formed

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37:4

There is a companion who rejoices in the gladness of a friend,

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37:5

There is a companion who for the belly’s sake labours with his friend,

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37:6

Don’t forget a friend in your soul.

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37:7

Every counsellor extols counsel,

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37:8

Let your soul beware of a counsellor,

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37:9

and say to you, “Your way is good.”

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37:10

Don’t take counsel with one who looks askance at you.

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37:11

Don’t consult with a woman about her rival,

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37:12

But rather be continually with a godly man,

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37:13

Make the counsel of your heart stand,

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37:14

For a man’s soul is sometimes inclined to inform him

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37:15

Above all this ask the Most High

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37:16

Let reason be the beginning of every work.

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37:17

As a token of the changing of the heart,

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37:18

four kinds of things rise up:

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37:19

There is one who is clever and the instructor of many,

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37:20

There is one who is subtle in words, and is hated.

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37:21

For grace was not given to him from the Lord,

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37:22

There is one who is wise to his own soul;

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37:23

A wise man will instruct his own people.

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37:24

A wise man will be filled with blessing.

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37:25

The life of a man is counted by days.

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37:26

The wise man will inherit confidence amongst his people.

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37:27

My son, test your soul in your life.

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37:28

For not all things are profitable for all men.

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37:29

Don’t be insatiable in any luxury.

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37:30

For overeating brings disease,

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37:31

Because of gluttony, many have perished,

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