Sirach 6:1–9
1Don’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.↗
2Don’t exalt yourself in the counsel of your soul, that your soul not be torn in pieces like a bull.↗
3You will eat up your leaves, destroy your fruit, and leave yourself like a dry tree.↗
4A wicked soul will destroy him who has it, and will make him a laughing stock to his enemies.↗
5Sweet words will multiply a man’s friends. A gracious tongue will multiply courtesies.↗
6Let those that are at peace with you be many, but your advisers one of a thousand.↗
7If you want to gain a friend, get him in a time of testing, and don’t be in a hurry to trust him.↗
8For there is a friend just for an occasion. He won’t continue in the day of your affliction.↗
9And there is a friend who turns into an enemy. He will discover strife to your reproach.↗
Source: World English Bible (Catholic), public domain. Text is taken directly from the source. Headings are editorial, not biblical verses.
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