Ben Sira 6:1-11

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.

8 For there is a friend who is such at his own convenience, but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.

9 And there is a friend who changes into an enemy, and will disclose a quarrel to your disgrace.

10 And there is a friend who is a table companion, but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.

11 In prosperity he will make himself your equal, and be bold with your servants;