Sir 6:1 

Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for [thereby] thou 

shalt inherit an ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a 

sinner that hath a double tongue. 

Sir 6:2 

Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy 

soul be not torn in pieces as a bull [straying alone.] 

Sir 6:3 

Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave 

thyself as a dry tree. 

Sir 6:4 

A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make 

him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies. 

Sir 6:5 

Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking 

tongue will increase kind greetings. 

Sir 6:6 

Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor 

of a thousand. 

Sir 6:7 

If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not 

hasty to credit him. 

Sir 6:8 

For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not 

abide in the day of thy trouble. 

Sir 6:9 

And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife 

will discover thy reproach. 

Sir 6:10 

Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not 

continue in the day of thy affliction. 

Sir 6:11 

But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold 

over thy servants. 

Sir 6:12 

If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will 

hide himself from thy face. 

Sir 6:13 

Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy 

friends. 

Sir 6:14 

A faithfu1l friend is a strong defence: and he that hath 

found such an one hath found a treasure. 

Sir 6:15 

Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his 

excellency is invaluable. 

Sir 6:16 

A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear 

the Lord shall find him. 

Sir 6:17 

Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright: 

for as he is, so shall his neighbour be also. 

Sir 6:18 

My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou 

find wisdom till thine old age. 

Sir 6:19 

Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for 

her good fruits: for thou shalt not toil much in labouring about 

her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon. 

Sir 6:20 

She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without 

understanding will not remain with her. 

Sir 6:21 

She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will 

cast her from him ere it be long. 

Sir 6:22 

For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest 

unto many. 

Sir 6:23 

Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my 

counsel, 

Sir 6:24 

And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her 

chain. 

Sir 6:25 

Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with 

her bonds. 

Sir 6:26 

Come unto her with thy whole heart, and keep her ways with 

all thy power. 

Sir 6:27 

Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee: and 

when thou hast got hold of her, let her not go. 

Sir 6:28 

For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be 

turned to thy joy. 

Sir 6:29 

Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her 

chains a robe of glory. 

Sir 6:30 

For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are 

purple lace. 

Sir 6:31 

Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her 

about thee as a crown of joy. 

Sir 6:32 

My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt 

apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent. 

Sir 6:33 

If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and 

if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise, 

Sir 6:34 

Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave unto him 

that is wise. 

Sir 6:35 

Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the 

parables of understanding escape thee. 

Sir 6:36 

And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes 

unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door. 

Sir 6:37 

Let thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate 

continually in his commandments: he shall establish thine heart, 

and give thee wisdom at thine owns desire.