Ben Sira 6:1-7

1 and do not become an enemy instead of a friend; for a bad name incurs shame and reproach: so fares the double-tongued sinner.

2 Do not exalt yourself through your soul's counsel, lest your soul be torn in pieces like a bull.

3 You will devour your leaves and destroy your fruit, and will be left like a withered tree.

4 An evil soul will destroy him who has it, and make him the laughingstock of his enemies.

5 A pleasant voice multiplies friends, and a gracious tongue multiplies courtesies.

6 Let those that are at peace with you be many, but let your advisers be one in a thousand.

7 When you gain a friend, gain him through testing, and do not trust him hastily.