Books Jesus Read

Chapter 8: Spiritual Sages – Sirach and Solomon

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11 When you are prosperous, they become your second self, and lord it over your servants; 12 but if you are brought low, they turn against you,

and hide themselves from you. 13 Keep away from your enemies, and be on guard with your friends. 14 Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter: whoever finds one has found a treasure. 15 Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth. 16 Faithful friends are life-saving medicine; and those who fear the Lord will find them.

17 Those who fear the Lord direct their friendship aright, for as they are, so are their neighbors also (6:5–17). 10 Do not abandon old friends, for new ones cannot equal them. A new friend is like new wine; when it has aged, you can drink it with pleasure. 11 Do not envy the success of sinners, for you do not know what their end will be like. 12 Do not delight in what pleases the ungodly; remember that they will not be held guiltless all their lives. 13 Keep far from those who have power to kill, and you will not be haunted by the fear of death. But if you approach them, make no misstep, or they may rob you of your life. Know that you are stepping among snares, and that you are walking on the city battlements. 14 As much as you can, aim to know your neighbors, and consult with the wise. 15 Let your conversation be with intelligent people, and let all your discussion be about the law of the Most High. 16 Let the righteous be your dinner companions, and let your glory be in the fear of the Lord (9:10–16).