Books Jesus Read

Chapter 8: Spiritual Sages – Sirach and Solomon

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19 One who pricks the eye brings tears, and one who pricks the heart makes clear its feelings. 20 One who throws a stone at birds scares them away, and one who reviles a friend destroys a friendship. 21 Even if you draw your sword against a friend, do not despair, for there is a way back. 22 If you open your mouth against your friend, do not worry, for reconciliation is possible. But as for reviling, arrogance, disclosure of secrets, or a treacherous blow— in these cases any friend will take to flight. 23 Gain the trust of your neighbor in his poverty, so that you may rejoice with him in his prosperity. Stand by him in time of distress, so that you may share with him in his inheritance. 24 The vapor and smoke of the furnace precede the fire; so insults precede bloodshed. 25 I am not ashamed to shelter a friend, and I will not hide from him. 26 But if harm should come to me because of him, whoever hears of it will beware of him (22:19–26). 16 Whoever betrays secrets destroys confidence, and will never find a congenial friend. 17 Love your friend and keep faith with him; but if you betray his secrets, do not follow after him. 18 For as a person destroys his enemy, so you have destroyed the friendship of your neighbor. 19 And as you allow a bird to escape from your hand, so you have let your neighbor go, and will not catch him again. 20 Do not go after him, for he is too far off, and has escaped like a gazelle from a snare. 21 For a wound may be bandaged, and there is reconciliation after abuse, but whoever has betrayed secrets is without hope (27:16–21).