Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach 6:13-29 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

13. Distance yourself from your enemies, and pay attention to your friends.

14. A faithful friend is a strong shelter, and whoever has found one has found a treasure.

15. Nothing is comparable to a faithful friend, and no weight of silver or gold is worth more than the goodness of his fidelity.

16. A faithful friend is a medicine for life and immortality; and those who fear the Lord will find one.

17. He who fears God will have a similar good friendship, because his friend will be like him.

18. Son, from your youth receive instruction, and then you will find wisdom, even to your grey hairs.

19. Approach wisdom like one who plows and sows, and then wait for her good fruits.

20. For in doing her work, you will labor a little, but you will soon eat from her produce.

21. How exceedingly harsh is wisdom to unlearned men! And so, the witless will not remain with her.

22. She will be to them like a great stone of trial, and they will cast her away from them without delay.

23. For the wisdom of doctrine is in accord with her name, and she is not manifest to many. But she continues with those by whom she is recognized, even in the sight of God.

24. Listen, son, and accept an understanding counsel, for you should not discard my advice.

25. Set your feet in her fetters and your neck in her chains.

26. Incline your shoulder, and carry her, for you will not be grieved by her bindings.

27. Approach her with all your soul, and serve her ways with all your strength.

28. Examine her, and she will be revealed to you, and when you have obtained her, you should not abandon her.

29. For, in the very end, you will find rest in her, and she will turn into your delight.

Read complete chapter Sirach 6