Sirach 6

¹that turn you into an enemy

instead of a friend.

A reputation for being dishonest

will bring you nothing

but shame and insults.

²Don't fall under the power

of evil desires.

They are burning flames

that will destroy you,

³and you will be left to wither,

like a tree with burned leaves

and scorched fruit.

⁴Evil desires will destroy you,

and your enemies will laugh.

Be Friendly with Everyone

⁵If you speak pleasantly

and politely,

you will make friends

and be welcome anywhere.

⁶Be friendly with everyone,

but only listen to advice

from those few you can trust.

⁷Make sure they are true friends

before you trust them,

⁸because some will be friendly

when everything is fine,

but they won't help

when you have trouble.

⁹If you argue with other friends,

they will become enemies

and tell about the argument

so you will look bad.

¹⁰Still others will come to dinner

but not to help

if you have trouble.

¹¹In good times,

they will be so close,

that your servants

will have to obey them.

¹²But if you lose your wealth,

they will disappear.

¹³Keep your distance

from enemies

and don't be fooled

by false friends.

*

¹⁴Loyal friends will protect you

with all their strength

¹⁵and are worth more

than any other treasure.

*

¹⁶They are even like medicine

that can save your life.

And here's how you can have

such loyal friends:

¹⁷obey the Lord and choose friends

who also obey him.

Become a Slave to Wisdom

¹⁸Students, be disciplined

and learn Wisdom

when you are young,

and as your hair turns gray,

she will never desert you.

¹⁹Learning Wisdom isn't so hard.[#Jas 5.7,8.]

It's like plowing a little

and planting a few seeds—

then a short time later

eating food from the harvest.

²⁰But to those who are fools

or have no discipline,

the job will seem too great,

and they will give up.

²¹When Wisdom tests them,

they will toss her aside,

as if she were a stone

too heavy to carry.

²²Wisdom is hidden

from most people,

just as her name suggests.

²³Pay attention, students—

don't reject my advice.

²⁴Become a slave to Wisdom,

with her chains fastened

around your neck and feet.

²⁵Carry her on your shoulders

and don't let those chains

make you angry.

²⁶Make up your mind to follow

and stay close to Wisdom

wherever she goes.

²⁷Search, and you will find her;

once she is yours,

hold her tightly.

²⁸Then she will give you

a peaceful and happy life.

²⁹Her chains on your feet

will become your protection,

and those on your neck

will turn into a royal robe,

³⁰decorated with gold jewelry

and tied with a purple cord.

³¹You will wear Wisdom

like a beautiful robe

or like a crown

at a victory celebration.

³²Students, you are able

to discipline yourself

and learn Wisdom—

just put your mind to it!

³³Do you love to listen?

That's all it really takes

to gain Wisdom.

³⁴Spend time with older people

and stay close to those

who are wise.

³⁵When godly people speak,

pay attention, and memorize

every wise saying you hear.

³⁶If you know smart people,

visit them whenever you can,

until their welcome mat

wears thin from your feet.

³⁷Never stop considering[#Js 1.6-8; Ps 1.2.]

God's laws and commands,

and he will strengthen your mind

with the Wisdom you want.