Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 6

6:2

Don’t exalt yourself in the counsel of your soul,

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6:3

You will eat up your leaves, destroy your fruit,

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6:4

A wicked soul will destroy him who has it,

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6:5

Sweet words will multiply a man’s friends.

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6:6

Let those that are at peace with you be many,

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6:7

If you want to gain a friend, get him in a time of testing,

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6:8

For there is a friend just for an occasion.

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6:9

And there is a friend who turns into an enemy.

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6:10

And there is a friend who is a companion at the table,

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6:11

In your prosperity he will be as yourself,

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6:12

If you are brought low, he will be against you,

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6:13

Separate yourself from your enemies,

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6:14

A faithful friend is a strong defence.

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6:15

There is nothing that can be taken in exchange for a faithful friend.

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6:16

A faithful friend is a life-saving medicine.

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6:17

He who fears the Lord directs his friendship properly;

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6:18

My son, gather instruction from your youth up.

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6:19

Come to her as one who ploughs and sows

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6:20

How exceedingly harsh she is to the unlearned!

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6:21

She will rest upon him as a mighty stone of trial.

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6:22

For wisdom is according to her name.

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6:23

Give ear, my son, and accept my judgement.

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6:24

Bring your feet into her fetters,

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6:25

Put your shoulder under her and bear her.

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6:26

Come to her with all your soul.

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6:27

Search and seek, and she will be made known to you.

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6:28

For at the last you will find her rest;

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6:29

Her fetters will be to you for a covering of strength,

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6:30

For there is a golden ornament upon her,

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6:31

You shall put her on as a robe of glory,

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6:32

My son, if you are willing, you will be instructed.

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6:33

If you love to hear, you will receive.

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6:34

Stand in the multitude of the elders.

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6:35

Be willing to listen to every godly discourse.

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6:36

If you see a man of understanding, get to him early.

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6:37

Let your mind dwell on the ordinances of the Lord

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