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Sirach 6, Orthodox

6:1 Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for [thereby] thou shalt inherit an ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a sinner that hath a double tongue.

6:2 Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy soul be not torn in pieces as a bull [straying alone.]

6:3 Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave thyself as a dry tree.

6:4 A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.

6:5 Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings.

6:6 Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.

6:7 If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.

6:8 For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the day of thy trouble.

6:9 And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife will discover thy reproach.

6:10 Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of thy affliction.

6:11 But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold over thy servants.

6:12 If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will hide himself from thy face.

6:13 Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy friends.

6:14 A faithful friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure.

6:15 Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his excellency is invaluable.

6:16 A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lord shall find him.

6:17 Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright: for as he is, so shall his neighbour be also.

6:18 My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou find wisdom till thine old age.

6:19 Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for her good fruits: for thou shalt not toil much in labouring about her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon.

6:20 She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without understanding will not remain with her.

6:21 She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will cast her from him ere it be long.

6:22 For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest unto many.

6:23 Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my counsel,

6:24 And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her chain.

6:25 Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with her bonds.

6:26 Come unto her with thy whole heart, and keep her ways with all thy power.

6:27 Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee: and when thou hast got hold of her, let her not go.

6:28 For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be turned to thy joy.

6:29 Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her chains a robe of glory.

6:30 For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are purple lace.

6:31 Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her about thee as a crown of joy.

6:32 My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent.

6:33 If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,

6:34 Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave unto him that is wise.

6:35 Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the parables of understanding escape thee.

6:36 And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door.

6:37 Let thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate continually in his commandments: he shall establish thine heart, and give thee wisdom at thine owns desire.

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