Sirach 6

5A pleasant voice multiplies friends,

and a gracious tongue multiplies courtesies.

6Let those that are at peace with you be many,

but let your advisers be one in a thousand.

7When you gain a friend, gain him through testing,

and do not trust him hastily.

8For there is a friend who is such at his own convenience,

but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.

9And there is a friend who changes into an enemy,

and will disclose a quarrel to your disgrace.

10And there is a friend who is a table companion,

but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.

11In your prosperity he will make himself your equal,

and be bold with your servants;

12but if you are brought low he will turn against you,

and will hide himself from your presence.

13Keep yourself far from your enemies,

and be on guard toward your friends.

14A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter:

he that has found one has found a treasure.

15There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend,

and no scales can measure his excellence.

16A faithful friend is an elixir of life;

and those who fear the Lord will find him.

17Whoever fears the Lord directs his friendship aright,

for as he is, so is his neighbor also.

18My son, from your youth up choose instruction,

and until you are old you will keep finding wisdom.

19Come to her like one who plows and sows,

and wait for her good harvest.

For in her service you will toil a little while,

and soon you will eat of her produce.

20She seems very harsh to the uninstructed;

a weakling will not remain with her.

21She will weigh him down like a heavy testing stone,

and he will not be slow to cast her off.

22For wisdom is like her name,

and is not manifest to many.

23Listen, my son, and accept my judgment;

do not reject my counsel.

24Put your feet into her fetters,

and your neck into her collar.

25Put your shoulder under her and carry her,

and do not fret under her bonds.

26Come to her with all your soul,

and keep her ways with all your might.

27Search out and seek, and she will become known to you;

and when you get hold of her, do not let her go.

28For at last you will find the rest she gives,

and she will be changed into joy for you.

29Then her fetters will become for you a strong protection,

and her collar a glorious robe.

30Her yokeb is a golden ornament,

and her bonds are a cord of blue.

31You will wear her like a glorious robe,

and put her on like a crown of gladness.

32If you are willing, my son, you will be taught,

and if you apply yourself you will become clever.

33If you love to listen you will gain knowledge,

and if you incline your ear you will become wise.

34Stand in the assembly of the elders.

Who is wise? Cleave to him.

35Be ready to listen to everyc narrative,

and do not let wise proverbs escape you.

36If you see an intelligent man, visit him early;

let your foot wear out his doorstep.

37Reflect on the statutes of the Lord,

and meditate at all times on his commandments.

It is he who will give insight tod your mind,

and your desire for wisdom will be granted.