Ben Sira 6:10-20

10 And there is a friend a companion at the table, and he will not abide in the day of distress.
11 A friend ii he continue steadfast, shall be to thee as thyself, and shall act with confidence among them of thy household.
12 If he humble himself before thee, and hide himself from thy face, thou shalt have unanimous friendship for good.
13 Separate thyself from thy enemies, and take heed of thy friends.
14 A faithful friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found him, hath found a treasure.
15 Nothing can be compared to a faithful friend, and no weight of gold and silver is able to countervail the goodness of his fidelity.
16 A faithful friend is the medicine of life and immortality: and they that fear the Lord, shall find him.
17 He that feareth God, shall likewise have good friendship: because according to him shall his friend be.
18 My son, from thy youth up receive instruction, and even to thy grey hairs thou shalt find wisdom.
19 Come to her as one that plougheth, and soweth, and wait for her good fruits:
20 For in working about her thou shalt labour a little, and shalt quickly eat of her fruits.
The Douay-Rheims Bible is in the public domain.