Sirach
As found in the Greek Septuagint
GNB
Chapter 37

False Friends

Sirach 37:1 Anyone can claim to be your friend, but some people are friends in name only.

Sirach 37:2 The grief caused when a close friendship turns sour is as bad as death.

Sirach 37:3 This evil impulse we have! Why was it ever formed? How did it manage to cover the earth with deceit?

Sirach 37:4 Some people will be your friend as long as things are going well, but they will turn against you when trouble comes.

Sirach 37:5 A real friend will help you against your enemies and protect you in the fight.

Sirach 37:6 Never forget such companions in battle; share the results of your victory with them.

Caution in Taking Advice

Sirach 37:7 Anyone can give advice, but some people do so only in their own interest.

Sirach 37:8 Be careful when somebody offers you advice. Find out first what his interest in the matter is, because you can be sure that he is thinking primarily of himself. Why should he come out on top instead of you?

Sirach 37:9 He will assure you that things look good, and then stand back to watch what happens to you.

Sirach 37:10 Don't ask advice of anyone who doesn't trust you, and don't give advice to anyone who is jealous of you.

Sirach 37:11 Don't ask a woman for advice about a rival of hers, a coward about war, a merchant about a bargain, a buyer about selling, a stingy person about gratitude, a cruel person about kindness, a lazy person about work, a casual worker about finishing a job, a lazy slave about a difficult task. Pay no attention to any advice they may give.

Sirach 37:12 Instead, rely on someone who is religious and known to keep the Lord's commands, someone who is sympathetic with you, who will be sorry to see you fall.

Sirach 37:13 And trust your own judgment; no one's advice is more reliable.

Sirach 37:14 Sometimes your own intuition can tell you more than seven watchmen on a high tower.

Sirach 37:15 Above all, pray to the Most High that he will show you the right thing to do.

Wisdom and Confidence

Sirach 37:16 Planning and thought lie behind everything that is done.

Sirach 37:17-18 The mind concerns itself with four things: these are good and evil, life and death. They all begin in the mind, but the tongue is their absolute ruler.

Sirach 37:19 Someone may have the ability to teach, but still not be of much use to himself.

Sirach 37:20 He may be clever with words, but end up starving because people hate him.

Sirach 37:21 This may happen if he doesn't have good sense, if the Lord has not given him tact.

Sirach 37:22 Someone may consider himself wise and let you know that he is certain about what he knows.

Sirach 37:23  Anyone who really is wise will be the teacher of his people, and they can be certain that what he teaches is the truth.

Sirach 37:24 Everyone will praise such a person and speak of him as fortunate.

Sirach 37:25 A persons life has only a limited number of days, but the life of Israel cannot be measured in days at all.

Sirach 37:26 The wise will win the confidence of others, and will be remembered forever.

Controlling the Appetite

Sirach 37:27 My child, as you go through life, keep your appetite under control, and don't eat anything that you know is bad for you.

Sirach 37:28 All food doesn't agree with everyone, and everyone doesn't like the same kinds of food.

Sirach 37:29 Don't feel that you just have to have all sorts of fancy food, and don't be a glutton over any food.

Sirach 37:30 If you eat too much, you'll get sick; if you do it all the time, you'll always have stomach trouble.

Sirach 37:31 Gluttony has been the death of many people. Avoid it and live longer.

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