BenSira:6

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Seeker Overlay ON

* 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 . * Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart ; that thy soul be not torn in pieces as a bull [straying alone .] * Thou shalt eat up thy leaves , and lose thy fruit , and leave thyself as a dry tree . * A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it , and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies . * Sweet language will multiply friends : and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings . * Be in peace with many : nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand . * If thou wouldest get a friend , prove him first and be not hasty to credit him . * For some man is a friend for his own occasion , and will not abide in the day of thy trouble . * And there is a friend , who being turned to enmity , and strife will discover thy reproach . * Again , some friend is a companion at the table , and will not continue in the day of thy affliction . * But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself , and will be bold over thy servants . * If thou be brought low , he will be against thee , and will hide himself from thy face . * Separate thyself from thine enemies , and take heed of thy friends . * A faithfu1l friend is a strong defence : and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure . * Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend , and his excellency is invaluable . * A faithful friend is the medicine of life ; and they that fear the Lord shall find him . * Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright : for as he is , so shall his neighbour be also . * My son , gather instruction from thy youth up : so shalt thou find wisdom till thine old age . * 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 . * She is very unpleasant to the unlearned : he that is without understanding will not remain with her . * She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial ; and he will cast her from him ere it be long . * For wisdom is according to her name , and she is not manifest unto many . * Give ear , my son , receive my advice , and refuse not my counsel , * And put thy feet into her fetters , and thy neck into her chain . * Bow down thy shoulder , and bear her , and be not grieved with her bonds . * Come unto her with thy whole heart , and keep her ways with all thy power . * Search , and seek , and she shall be made known unto thee : and when thou hast got hold of her , let her not go . * For at the last thou shalt find her rest , and that shall be turned to thy joy . * Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee , and her chains a robe of glory . * For there is a golden ornament upon her , and her bands are purple lace . * Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour , and shalt put her about thee as a crown of joy . * My son , if thou wilt , thou shalt be taught : and if thou wilt apply thy mind , thou shalt be prudent . * If thou love to hear , thou shalt receive understanding : and if thou bow thine ear , thou shalt be wise , * Stand in the multitude of the elders ; and cleave unto him that is wise . * Be willing to hear every godly discourse ; and let not the parables of understanding escape thee . * And if thou seest a man of understanding , get thee betimes unto him , and let thy foot wear the steps of his door . * 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 .

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