Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach 37:1-10 World English Bible (WEB)

1. Every friend will say, I also am his friend: But there is a friend, which is only a friend in name.

2. Is there not a grief in it even to death, When a companion and friend is turned to enmity?

3. O wicked imagination, whence came you rolling in To cover the dry land with deceitfulness?

4. There is a companion, which rejoices in the gladness of a friend, But in time of affliction will be against him.

5. There is a companion, which for the belly’s sake labores with his friend, In the face of battle will take up the buckler.

6. Forget not a friend in your soul; And be not unmindful of him in your riches.

7. Every counsellor extols counsel; But there is that counsels for himself.

8. Let your soul beware of a counsellor, And know you before what is his interest (For he will take counsel for himself); Lest he cast the lot upon you,

9. And say to you, Your way is good: And he will stand over against you, to see what shall befall you.

10. Take not counsel with one that looks askance at you; And hide your counsel from such as are jealous of you.

Read complete chapter Sirach 37