Sirach
As found in the Greek Septuagint
GNB
Chapter 6
Sincerity and self-control (continued from chapter 5)
Sirach 6:1 and do not be an enemy when you should be a friend. A bad reputation brings you the disgrace that lying sinners deserve.
Sirach 6:2 Do not let your passions carry you away; this can tear your soul to pieces like a bull.
Sirach 6:3 You will be left like a dead tree without any leaves or fruit.
Sirach 6:4 Evil desire will destroy you and make you a joke to your enemies.
Sirach 6:5 If you are polite and courteous, you will enjoy the friendship of many people.
Sirach 6:6 Exchange greetings with many, but take advice from only one person out of a thousand.
Sirach 6:7 When you make friends, don't be too quick to trust them; make sure that they have proved themselves.
Sirach 6:8 Some people will be your friends only when it is convenient for them, but they won't stand by you in trouble.
Sirach 6:9 Others will fall out with you over some argument, and then embarrass you by letting everyone know about it.
Sirach 6:10-11 Others will sit at your table as long as things are going well; they will stick to you like your shadow and give orders to your servants, but they will not stand by you in trouble.
Sirach 6:12 If your situation takes a turn for the worse, they will turn against you, and you won't be able to find them anywhere.
Sirach 6:13 Stay away from your enemies and be on guard against your friends.
Sirach 6:14 A loyal friend is like a safe shelter; find one, and you have found a treasure.
Sirach 6:15 Nothing else is as valuable; there is no way of putting a price on it.
Sirach 6:16 A loyal friend is like a medicine that keeps you in good health. Only those who fear the Lord can find such a friend.
Sirach 6:17 A person who fears the Lord can make real friendships, because he will treat his friends as he does himself.
Sirach 6:18 My child, learn to value Wisdom while you are young, and you will still be able to find her when you grow old.
Sirach 6:19 Work as hard to find wisdom as a farmer works to plow and plant his fields; then you can expect a good harvest. You will have to work at it for a while, but you will soon be enjoying what you have earned.
Sirach 6:20 Undisciplined people find Wisdom's demands too hard and don't have enough determination to meet them.
Sirach 6:21 Her requirements are a burden heavier than they are willing to bear, and they quickly lay them aside.
Sirach 6:22 "Discipline" means just that-discipline, and not many people are able to discipline themselves.
Sirach 6:23 My child, listen to me and take my advice.
Sirach 6:24 Put Wisdom's chains around your feet and her yoke around your neck.
Sirach 6:25 Carry her on your shoulder and don't be resentful of her bonds.
Sirach 6:26 Follow Wisdom, and keep to her ways with all your heart.
Sirach 6:27 Go looking for her, and she will reveal herself to you. Take hold of her and don't let go.
Sirach 6:28 Then you will discover the peace of mind she offers, and she will become your joy.
Sirach 6:29-30 The signs of slavery you wear will become signs of royal majesty. Her chains will be your protection, and you will wear her yoke like a magnificent robe.
Sirach 6:31 You will wear Wisdom like a splendid crown.
Sirach 6:32 My child, you can learn if you want to. You can be clever if you are determined to be.
Sirach 6:33 If you are willing to listen, you will learn and become wise.
Sirach 6:34 Go where the old people are; find someone who is wise, and stay with him.
Sirach 6:35 Be ready to listen when religious people speak, and don't miss anything that shows insight.
Sirach 6:36 If you find someone with understanding, get up early to call on him; wear out his doorstep with your visits.
Sirach 6:37 Devote all your time to studying the Lord's commands and thinking about them. He will give you the insight and wisdom you are looking for.