Ben Sira 6:11-21

11 But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold over thy servants.
12 If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will hide himself from thy face.
13 Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy friends.
14 A faithful friend is a strong defense, and he that hath found such a one hath found a treasure.
15 Nothing doth equal a faithful friend, and his excellency is invaluable.
16 A faithful friend is the medicine of life, and they that fear the Lord shall find him.
17 Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright; for as he is, so shall his neighbor be also.
18 My son, gather instruction from thy youth up; so shalt thou find wisdom till thine old age.
19 Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for her good fruits; for thou shalt not toil much in laboring for her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon.
20 She is very unpleasant to the unlearned; he that is without understanding will not remain with her.
21 She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial, and he will cast her from him ere it be long.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.