Sirach 6
6
Sirach 6
1 #
Sir 5.14; Jas 1.8 and do not become an enemy instead of a friend,
for a bad name incurs shame and reproach;
so it is with the double-tongued sinner.
2Do not fall into the grip of passion,#6.2 Heb: Meaning of Gk uncertain
or you may be torn apart as by a bull.#6.2 Meaning of Gk uncertain
3 #
Dan 4.14, 15; Mt 3.10 Your leaves will be devoured and your fruit destroyed,
and you will be left like a withered tree.
4 #
Sir 18.31
Strong passion#6.4 Heb: Gk An evil soul destroys those who have it
and makes them the laughingstock of their enemies.
Friendship, False and True
5 #
Sir 20.13
Pleasant speech multiplies friends,
and a gracious tongue multiplies courtesies.
6 #
Eccl 7.28
Let those who are at peace with you be many,
but let your advisers be one in a thousand.
7 #
Sir 12.8, 9 When you gain friends, gain them through testing,
and do not trust them hastily.
8 #
Prov 14.20; 19.4, 7 For there are friends who are such when it suits them,
but they will not stand by you in time of trouble.
9And there are friends who turn to enmity
and tell of the quarrel to your disgrace.
10 #
Prov 14.20; 19.4, 7; Sir 37.4, 5 And there are friends who are companions at the table,
but they will not stand by you in time of trouble.
11When you are prosperous, they become your second self
and boldly command your slaves,
12but if you are brought low, they turn against you
and hide themselves from you.
13Keep away from your enemies,
and be on guard with your friends.
14 #
Prov 17.17; 18.24 Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter;
whoever finds one has found a treasure.
15Faithful friends are beyond price;
no amount can balance their worth.
16Faithful friends are life-saving medicine,
and those who fear the Lord will find them.
17Those who fear the Lord direct their friendship aright,
for as they are, so are their neighbors also.
Blessings of Wisdom
18My child, from your youth choose discipline,
and when you have gray hair you will find wisdom.
19 #
Jas 5.7
Come to her like one who plows and sows,
and wait for her good harvest.
For when you cultivate her you will toil but little,
and soon you will eat of her produce.
20 #
Prov 1.22; 17.16 She seems very harsh to the undisciplined;
fools will not remain with her.
21 #
Prov 1.7; Zech 12.3 She will be like a heavy stone to test them,
and they will not delay in casting her aside.
22For wisdom is like her name;
she is not readily perceived by many.
23 #
Prov 3.1; 5.1 Listen, my child, and accept my judgment;
do not reject my counsel.
24 #
v 29
; Prov 1.9Put your feet into her fetters
and your neck into her collar.
25 #
Sir 51.26; Mt 11.29 Bend your shoulder and carry her,
and do not become angry with her bonds.
26Come to her with all your soul,
and keep her ways with all your might.
27 #
Prov 2.4, 5; 4.13; Sir 4.11 Search 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 her rest,
and she will be changed into joy for you.
29 #
v 24
Then her fetters will become for you a strong defense,
and her collar a glorious robe.
30 #
Num 15.38; Sir 51.26; Mt 11.29 Her yoke#6.30 Heb: Gk Upon her is a golden ornament
and her bonds a purple cord.
31 #
Sir 1.11; 15.6 You will wear her like a glorious robe
and put her on like a splendid crown.#6.31 Heb: Gk crown of gladness
32If you are willing, my child, you can be disciplined,
and if you apply yourself you will become clever.
33If you love to listen you will accept discipline,
and if you pay attention you will become wise.
34Stand in the company of the elders.
Who is wise? Attach yourself to such a one.
35 #
Sir 8.9; 39.3 Be ready to listen to every godly discourse,
and let no wise proverbs escape you.
36 #
Prov 8.34; Sir 37.12 If you see an intelligent person, rise early to visit him;
let your foot wear out his doorstep.
37 #
Ps 1.2
Reflect on the statutes of the Lord,
and meditate at all times on his commandments.
It is he who will give insight to#6.37 Heb: Gk will confirm your mind,
and your desire for wisdom will be granted.
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Sirach 6: 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.