Sirach 6
6
1that turn you into an enemy
instead of a friend.
A reputation for being dishonest
will bring you nothing
but shame and insults.
2Don't fall under the power
of evil desires.
They are burning flames
that will destroy you,#6.2 you: One possible meaning for the difficult text of verse 2.
3and you will be left to wither,
like a tree with burned leaves
and scorched fruit.
4Evil desires will destroy you,
and your enemies will laugh.
Be Friendly with Everyone
5If you speak pleasantly
and politely,
you will make friends
and be welcome anywhere.
6Be friendly with everyone,
but only listen to advice
from those few you can trust.
7Make sure they are true friends
before you trust them,
8because some will be friendly
when everything is fine,
but they won't help
when you have trouble.
9If you argue with other friends,
they will become enemies
and tell about the argument
so you will look bad.
10Still others will come to dinner
but not to help
if you have trouble.
11In good times,
they will be so close,
that your servants
will have to obey them.
12But if you lose your wealth,
they will disappear.
13Keep your distance
from enemies
and don't be fooled
by false friends.
* 14Loyal friends will protect you
with all their strength
15and are worth more
than any other treasure.
* 16They are even like medicine
that can save your life.
And here's how you can have
such loyal friends:
17obey the Lord and choose friends
who also obey him.
Become a Slave to Wisdom
18Students, be disciplined
and learn Wisdom
when you are young,
and as your hair turns gray,
she will never desert you.
19 #
Jas 5.7,8. Learning Wisdom isn't so hard.
It's like plowing a little
and planting a few seeds—
then a short time later
eating food from the harvest.
20But to those who are fools
or have no discipline,
the job will seem too great,
and they will give up.
21When Wisdom tests them,
they will toss her aside,
as if she were a stone
too heavy to carry.
22Wisdom is hidden
from most people,
just as her name suggests.#6.22 just as her name suggests: In Hebrew one word for wisdom sounds like a word meaning “withdrawn” or “hidden.” See also the note at 1.6.
23Pay attention, students—
don't reject my advice.
24Become a slave to Wisdom,
with her chains fastened
around your neck and feet.
25Carry her on your shoulders
and don't let those chains
make you angry.
26Make up your mind to follow
and stay close to Wisdom
wherever she goes.
27Search, and you will find her;
once she is yours,
hold her tightly.
28Then she will give you
a peaceful and happy life.
29Her chains on your feet
will become your protection,
and those on your neck
will turn into a royal robe,
30decorated with gold jewelry
and tied with a purple cord.
31You will wear Wisdom
like a beautiful robe
or like a crown
at a victory celebration.
32Students, you are able
to discipline yourself
and learn Wisdom—
just put your mind to it!
33Do you love to listen?
That's all it really takes
to gain Wisdom.
34Spend time with older people
and stay close to those
who are wise.
35When godly people speak,
pay attention, and memorize
every wise saying you hear.
36If you know smart people,
visit them whenever you can,
until their welcome mat
wears thin from your feet.
37 #
Js 1.6-8; Ps 1.2. Never stop considering
God's laws and commands,
and he will strengthen your mind
with the Wisdom you want.
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Sirach 6: CEVDCI
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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.