Sirach 37

1Every friend will say, "I too am a friend";

but some friends are friends only in name.

2Is it not a grief to the death

when a companion and friend turns to enmity?

3O evil imagination, why were you formed

to cover the land with deceit?

4Some companions rejoice in the happiness of a friend,

but in time of trouble are against him.

5Some companions help a friend for their stomach's sake,

and in the face of battle take up the shield.

6Do not forget a friend in your heart,

and be not unmindful of him in your wealth.

7Every counselor praises counsel,

but some give counsel in their own interest.

8Be wary of a counselor,

and learn first what is his interest-

for he will take thought for himself-

lest he cast the lot against you

9and tell you, "Your way is good,"

and then stand aloof to see what will happen to you.

10Do not consult the one who looks at you suspiciously;

hide your counsel from those who are jealous of you.

11Do not consult with a woman about her rival

or with a coward about war,

with a merchant about barter

or with a buyer about selling,

with a grudging man about gratitude

or with a merciless man about kindness,

with an idler about any work

or with a man hired for a year about completing his work,

with a lazy servant about a big task-

pay no attention to these in any matter of counsel.

12But stay constantly with a godly man

whom you know to be a keeper of the commandments,

whose soul is in accord with your soul,

and who will sorrow with you if you fail.

13And establish the counsel of your own heart,

for no one is more faithful to you than it is.

14For a man's soul sometimes keeps him better informed

than seven watchmen sitting high on a watchtower.

15And besides all this pray to the Most High

that he may direct your way in truth.

16Reason is the beginning of every work,

and counsel precedes every undertaking.

17As a clue to changes of heart

18four turns of fortune appear,

good and evil, life and death;

and it is the tongue that continually rules them.

19A man may be shrewd and the teacher of many,

and yet be unprofitable to himself.

20A man skilled in words may be hated;

he will be destitute of all food,

21for grace was not given him by the Lord,

since he is lacking in all wisdom.

22A man may be wise to his own advantage,

and the fruits of his understanding may be trustworthy on his lips.

23A wise man will instruct his own people,

and the fruits of his understanding will be trustworthy.

24A wise man will have praise heaped upon him,

and all who see him will call him happy.

25The life of a man is numbered by days,

but the days of Israel are without number.

26He who is wise among his people will inherit confidence,a

and his name will live for ever.

27My son, test your soul while you live;

see what is bad for it and do not give it that.

28For not everything is good for every one,

and not every person enjoys everything.

29Do not have an insatiable appetite for any luxury,

and do not give yourself up to food;

30for overeating brings sickness,

and gluttony leads to nausea.

31Many have died of gluttony,

but he who is careful to avoid it prolongs his life.