Ben Sira 9:16

16 Choose righteous people for your dinner companions. Your chief pride should be your fear of the Lord.

Ben Sira 9:16 In-Context

14 Get to know the people around you as well as you can, and take advice only from those who are qualified to give it.

15 Engage in conversation with intelligent people, and let the Law of the Most High be the topic of your discussions.

16 Choose righteous people for your dinner companions. Your chief pride should be your fear of the Lord.

17 A skilled worker is admired for the things he makes, and a leader's wisdom is proved by his words.

18 Someone who speaks rashly and recklessly is feared and hated by everyone in town.