Ben Sira 6:1-9

1 and do not be an enemy when you should be a friend. A bad reputation brings you the disgrace that lying sinners deserve.

2 Do not let your passions carry you away; this can tear your soul to pieces like a bull.

3 You will be left like a dead tree without any leaves or fruit.

4 Evil desire will destroy you and make you a joke to your enemies.

5 If you are polite and courteous, you will enjoy the friendship of many people.

6 Exchange greetings with many, but take advice from only one person out of a thousand.

7 When you make friends, don't be too quick to trust them; make sure that they have proved themselves.

8 Some people will be your friends only when it is convenient for them, but they won't stand by you in trouble.

9 Others will fall out with you over some argument, and then embarrass you by letting everyone know about it.

Footnotes

• [a]. [Verse 2 in both Greek and Hebrew is unclear.]