Ecclesiasticus 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.
Ecclesiasticus 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.
Ecclesiasticus 6:3
Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave thyself as a dry tree.
Ecclesiasticus 6:4
A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.
Ecclesiasticus 6:5
Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings.
Ecclesiasticus 6:6
Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.
Ecclesiasticus 6:7
If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.
Ecclesiasticus 6:8
For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the day of thy trouble.
Ecclesiasticus 6:9
And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife will discover thy reproach.
Ecclesiasticus 6:10
Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of thy affliction.
Ecclesiasticus 6:11
But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold over thy servants.
Ecclesiasticus 6:12
If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will hide himself from thy face.
Ecclesiasticus 6:13
Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy friends.
Ecclesiasticus 6:14
A faithfull friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure.
Ecclesiasticus 6:15
Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his excellency is invaluable.
Ecclesiasticus 6:16
A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lord shall find him.
Ecclesiasticus 6:17
Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright: for as he is, so shall his neighbour be also.
Ecclesiasticus 6:18
My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou find wisdom till thine old age.
Ecclesiasticus 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.
Ecclesiasticus 6:20
She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without understanding will not remain with her.
Ecclesiasticus 6:21
She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will cast her from him ere it be long.
Ecclesiasticus 6:22
For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest unto many.
Ecclesiasticus 6:23
Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my counsel,
Ecclesiasticus 6:24
And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her chain.
Ecclesiasticus 6:25
Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with her bonds.
Ecclesiasticus 6:26
Come unto her with thy whole heart, and keep her ways with all thy power.
Ecclesiasticus 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.
Ecclesiasticus 6:28
For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be turned to thy joy.
Ecclesiasticus 6:29
Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her chains a robe of glory.
Ecclesiasticus 6:30
For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are purple lace.
Ecclesiasticus 6:31
Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her about thee as a crown of joy.
Ecclesiasticus 6:32
My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent.
Ecclesiasticus 6:33
If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,
Ecclesiasticus 6:34
Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave unto him that is wise.
Ecclesiasticus 6:35
Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the parables of understanding escape thee.
Ecclesiasticus 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.
Ecclesiasticus 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.