Sirach 37
37
Sirach 37
False Friends
1 #
Prov 20.6
Every friend says, “I, too, am a friend,”
but some friends are friends only in name.
2 #
Ps 35.12–14
Does not sorrow draw near to death
when a companion and friend#37.2 Heb reads a friend like yourself turns into an enemy?
3O inclination to evil, why were you formed
to cover the land with deceit?
4 #
Sir 6.8
Some companions rejoice in the happiness of friends,
but in time of trouble they are against them.
5 #
Sir 6.10
Some companions help a friend for their stomachs’ sake,
yet in battle they will carry his shield.
6 #
Prov 27.10
Do not forget friends during the battle,#37.6 Heb: Gk in your heart
and do not be unmindful of them when you distribute your spoils.#37.6 Heb: Gk him in your wealth
Caution in Taking Advice
7All counselors praise the counsel they give,
but some give counsel in their own interest.
8 #
2 Sam 17.7; Joel 3.3; Add Esth 9.24 Be wary of counselors
and learn first what is their interest,
for they will take thought for themselves.
They may cast the lot against you
9and tell you, “Your way is good,”
and then stand aside to see what happens to you.
10Do not consult the one who regards you with suspicion;
hide your intentions from those who are jealous of you.
11 #
Prov 18.9; Sir 26.6, 29; 27.2 Do not consult with a woman about her rival
or with a coward about war,
with a merchant about business
or with a buyer about selling,
with a miser about generosity#37.11 Gk: Heb with an evil person about generosity
or with the merciless about kindness,
with an idler about any work
or with a seasonal laborer about finishing the job,
with a lazy slave about a big task—
pay no attention to any advice they give.
12 #
Sir 6.36; 7.34; 8.9 But associate with a godly person
whom you know to be a keeper of the commandments,
who is like-minded with yourself,
and who will grieve with you if you fail.
13And heed#37.13 Heb: Gk establish the counsel of your own heart,
for no one is more faithful to you than it is.
14 #
2 Sam 18.24; 2 Kings 9.17 For our own mind sometimes keeps us better informed
than seven sentinels sitting high on a watchtower.
15But above all pray to the Most High
that he may direct your way in truth.
True and False Wisdom
16 #
Sir 32.19
Discussion is the beginning of every work,
and counsel precedes every undertaking.
17The mind is the root of all counsel;#37.17 Heb: Gk change
18 #
Deut 30.19; Prov 18.21; Mt 12.36, 37 it sprouts four branches,#37.18 Heb: Gk four kinds of destiny appear
good and evil, life and death,
and it is the tongue that continually rules them.
19 #
Rom 2.17–23
Some people may be clever enough to teach many
and yet be useless to themselves.
20Skillful speakers may be hated;
they will be destitute of all food,
21for the Lord has withheld the gift of charm,
since they are lacking in all wisdom.
22If people are wise to their own advantage,
the fruits of their good sense will be praiseworthy.#37.22 Other ancient authorities read trustworthy
23 #
Prov 8.18, 19 The wise instruct their own people,
and the fruits of their good sense are trustworthy.
24The wise will have praise heaped upon them,
and all who see them will call them happy.
25 #
Ps 39.4; 90.12 The days of a person’s life are numbered,
but the days of Israel are without number.
26 #
Prov 3.35; Sir 4.13 Those who are wise among their people will inherit honor,#37.26 Other ancient authorities read confidence
and their names will live forever.
Concerning Moderation
27My child, test yourself while you live;
see what is bad for you, and do not give in to it.
28 #
1 Cor 6.12; 10.23 For not everything is good for everyone,
and no one enjoys everything.
29 #
Sir 31.12, 16, 17 Do not be greedy for every delicacy,
and do not eat without restraint,
30 #
Sir 31.20
for overeating brings sickness,
and gluttony leads to nausea.
31Many have died of gluttony,
but those who guard against it prolong their lives.
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Sirach 37: NRSVUE
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New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, copyright © 2021 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.