Ben Sira - chapter 6

translation by Edgar Goodspeed (as continued from 5:1 - 6:1)

6:2 - 37
Do not exalt yourself in your soul's designs, so that your soul may not be torn in pieces like a bull; if you eat up your leaves, you will destroy your fruit, and leave yourself like a dried-up tree. A wicked heart will destroy its possessor, and fill his enemies with malignant joy.
Sweet speech makes many friends, and a polite tongue multiplies courtesy. Let those who are at peace with you be many, but let your advisers be one in a thousand. If you make a friend, make one only after testing him, and do not be in a hurry to confide in him. There are friends who are so when it suits their conveniences, who will not stand by you when you are in trouble. And there are friends who turn into enemies, and reveal quarrels to your discredit. and there are friends who will sit at your table, but will not stand by you when you are in trouble. they will make themselves at home, as long as you are prosperous, and will give orders to your servants; if you come down in the world, they will take sides against you, and hide themselves from your presence. Separate yourself from your enemies, and beware of your friends. A faithful friend is a strong protection; a man who has found one has found a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price, and his value cannot be weighed. A faithful friend is a life-giving medicine, and those who fear the Lord will find it. The man who fears the Lord will make genuine friendships, for to him his neighbor is like himself.
My child, from your youth up cultivate education, and you will keep on finding wisdom until you are gray. Approach her like a man who plows and sows, and wait for her abundant crops. For in cultivating her, you will toil but little, and soon you will eat her produce. She seems very harsh, to the undisciplined, and a thoughtless man cannot abide her. She will rest on him like a great stone to test him, and he will not delay to throw her off. For wisdom is what her name implies, and to most mortals she is invisible. Listen, my child and accept my opinion, and do not refuse my advice. Put your feet into her fetters, and you neck into her collar. Put your shoulder under her and carry her, and do not weary of her chains; come to her with all your heart, and follow her ways with all your might. Inquire and search, and she will be made known to you, and when you have grasped her, do not let her go. For at last you will find the rest she gives, and you will find her turning into gladness. Her fetters will become your strong defense, and her collars a splendid robe. She wears gold ornaments, and her chains are purple threat; you will put her on like a splendid robe, and put her on your head like a victor's wreath. My child, if you wish, you can be educated. And if you devote yourself to it, you can become shrewd. If you love to hear, you will receive. And if you listen, you will be wise. Take your stand in the throng of elders; which of them is wise? Attach yourself to him. Be willing to listen to every godly discourse, and do not let any wise proverbs escape you. If you see a person of understanding, go to him early, and let your feet wear out his doorstep. Think about the statutes of the Lord, and constantly meditate on his commandments. He will strengthen your mind, and the wisdom you desire will be given you.