The In-Dept Study of the Bible
Son of Sirach 06
1 Don’t become an enemy instead of a
friend; for an evil name will inherit shame
and reproach. So it is with the sinner who has
a double tongue.
2 Don’t exalt yourselfin the counsel of your
soul, that your soul not be torn in pieces like
a bull.
3 You will eat up your leaves, destroy your
fruit, and leave yourself like a dry tree.
4 A wicked soul will destroy him who has it,
and will make him a laughing stock to
his enemies.
5 Sweet words will multiply a man’s
friends. A gracious tongue will multiply courtesies.
6 Let those that are at peace with you be
many, but your advisers one of a thousand.
7 If you want to gain a friend, get him in a
time of testing, and don’t be in a hurry to trust him.
8 For there is a friend just for an occasion.
He won’t continue in the day of your affliction.
9 And there is a friend who turns into an
enemy. He will discover strife to your reproach.
10 And there is a friend who is a companion
at the table, but he won’t continue in the day of
your affliction.
11 In your prosperity he will be as yourself,
and will be bold over your servants.
12 If you are brought low, he will be against
you, and will hide himself from your face.
13 Separate yourself from your enemies,
and beware of your friends.
14 A faithful friend is a strong defense.
He who has found him has found a
treasure.
15 There is nothing that can be taken in
exchange for a faithful friend.
His excellency is beyond price.
16 A faithful friend is a life-saving
medicine. Those who fear the Lord will find him.
17 He who fears the Lord directs his friendship properly;
for as he is, so is his neighbor also.
18 My son, gather instruction from your
youth up. Even whenyouhave grayhair you will
find wisdom.
19 Come to her as one who plows and sows
and wait for her good fruit; for your toil
will be little in her cultivation,
and you will soon eat of her fruit.
20 How exceedingly harsh she is to the unlearned!
He who is without understanding will
not remain in her.
21 She will rest upon him as a mighty stone
of trial. He won’t hesitate to cast her from him.
22 For wisdom is according to her name.
She isn’t manifest to many.
23 Give ear, my son, and accept my judgment.
Don’t refuse my counsel.
24 Bring your feet into her fetters,
and your neck into her chain.
25 Put your shoulder under her and bear
her. Don’t be grieved with her bonds.
26 Come to her with all your soul.
Keep her ways with your whole power.
27 Search and seek, and she will be made
known to you. When you get hold of her,
don’t let her go.
28 For at the last you will find her rest;
and she will be turned for you into
gladness.
29 Her fetters will be to you for a covering
of strength, and her chains for a robe of glory.
30 For there is a golden ornament upon her,
and her bands are * a purple cord.
31 You shall put her on as a robe of glory,
and shall put her on as a crown of
rejoicing.
32 My son, if you are willing, you will be
instructed. If you will yield your soul,
you will be prudent.
33 If you love to hear, you will receive.
If you incline your ear, you will be wise.
34 Stand in the multitude of the elders.
Attach yourself to whomever is wise.
35 Be willing to listen to every godly discourse.
Don’t let the proverbs of understanding escape you.
36 If you see a man of understanding, get to
him early. Let your foot wear out the
steps of his doors.
37 Let your mind dwell on the ordinances
of the Lord and meditate continually on his commandments.
He will establish your heart and your desire for wisdom will be
given to you.