Sirach, Chapter 37
1
Every friend says: "I have a friend," But there is a friend [who is] a friend in name [only].
2
So there is a sorrow that comes near to death, A friend according to the soul turned to an enemy.
3
O evil nature, why were you created, To fill the face of the world with deceit?
4
An evil friend [is he who] looks to the table, But in time of stress stands aloof.
5
A good friend [is he who] fights with the stranger, And takes hold of the shield against the adversary.
6
Do not forget a friend in [the time of] conflict, And do not forsake him when you take the spoil.
7
Every counsellor points out the way, But there is one who counsels a way for his own advantage.
8
Of that counsellor let your soul take heed, And know beforehand what is his interest; For he, too, will take thought for himself; Why should it fall out to his advantage?
9
And he will say to you, How good is your way! Then will he stand aloof and watch your adversity.
10
Do not take counsel with one who dislikes you, And hide your secret from one who is jealous of you.
11
(Do not take counsel) with a woman concerning her rival, And an enemy concerning his conflict, With a merchant concerning business, And with a buyer concerning selling, With an evil man concerning the showing of kindness, And with one who is merciless concerning man's happiness, With a worthless workman concerning his work, And with a yearly hired worker concerning the sowing of seed, With an idle slave concerning much work, Do not trust in these for any counsel.
12
But rather with a man who fears always, Whom you know [to be] a keeper of the commandment, Whose heart is like your heart, And if you stumble he will be grieved for you.
13
And also discern the counsel of [your own] heart, For there is none more true to you.
14
The heart of man declares [to him] his opportunities Better than seven watchmen on a watchtower.
15
But in all these things entreat God, That he may direct your steps in truth.
16
The beginning of every action is speech, And before every act there is consideration.
17
The roots of the deliberations of the heart Throw out four branches:
18
Good and evil, life and death; But the tongue rules over them altogether.
19
There is a wise man who is wise to many, And to his own soul he shows himself a fool;
20
And there is a wise man who is despised for his words, And is cut off from all pleasant food;
22
And there is a wise man who is wise to his own soul, And the fruit of his knowledge is upon his body.
23
And there is a wise man who is wise to his people, And the fruit of his knowledge is in their bodies.
24
The life of a man [numbers] few days, But the life of Israel days without number.
25
He who is wise to his own soul will be satisfied with enjoyment, And all who see him account him happy.
26
He who is wise [to his] people gains honor, And his name will live forever.
27
My son, in your life prove your soul, And see what is evil for it, and do not give it that.
28
For not everything is good for everyone; Every soul does not choose of every kind.
29
Do not be insatiable in every luxury, And give not yourself wholly to every dainty.
30
For in much eating lurks sickness, And he who consumes too much draws near to loathing.
31
Through lack of self-control many have perished, But he who controls himself prolongs his life.
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