Sirach 37
A true friend is hard to find, as many claim friendship but are not genuine, and even a companion can turn into an enemy in times of trouble. One should be cautious when choosing advisors, as some may offer self-serving counsel, and it's best to seek guidance from a holy person who shares your values. A wise person's counsel is invaluable, and it's essential to test one's own mind and be mindful of one's actions, as excess in eating and drinking can lead to harm.
Every friend will say: "I also am a close friend." But there is a friend who is a friend in name only. Is this not a grief even unto deathBut a companion and friend may turn into an enemyO wicked presumption! From what were you created that you would cover the dry land with your malice and deceitfulnessA companion may rejoice with his friend in good times, but in a time of tribulation, he will be an adversaryThere is a companion who commiserates with a friend for the sake of the stomach, but he will shield himself from the enemyYou should not forget your friend in your soul, and you should not be unmindful of him in your wealthDo not choose to consult with someone who waits in ambush for you. And hide your counsel from those who rival youEvery counselor offers advice, but some are counselors only for themselvesGuard your soul from a counselor. And know beforehand what his interests are. For he will form thoughts from his own soulOtherwise, he may set a signpost in the ground, and he may say to you"Your own way is good." But then he will stand at a distance to see what befalls youDo not discuss holiness with an irreligious man, nor justice with one who is unjust. You should not speak with a woman about her who is a rival, nor with a coward about war, nor with a merchant about exaggeration, nor with a buyer about selling, nor with a spiteful man about giving thanksnor with the impious about piety, nor with the dishonest about honesty, nor with the field worker about other kinds of worknor with a worker hired for a year about the end of the year, nor with a lazy servant about great works. You should pay no heed to these persons in any matter of counselBut be continually with a holy man, with anyone whom you know to observe the fear of Godwhose soul is in agreement with your own soul, and who, when you falter in the dark, will share your sorrowsAnd establish a heart of good counsel within yourself. For there is nothing of greater usefulness to you than thisAt any time, the soul of a holy man declares more truths than seven vigilant watchmen sitting in a high placeBut concerning all things, pray to the Most High, so that he may direct your way in truthIn all your works, let a true word precede you, with steadfast counsel before every deedA wicked word can change the heart. From the heart four kinds of things arise: good and evil, life and death. And the tongue is continually their ruler. There is a man who is an astute teacher of many, and yet this is useless to his own soulA man of experience has taught many, and this is pleasant to his own soulWhoever speaks mere rhetoric is hateful; he will be deceived in every matterGrace is not given to him from the Lord. For he has been deprived of all wisdomThere is a wise man who is wise within his own soul, and the fruit of his understanding is praiseworthyA wise man instructs his own people, and the fruit of his understanding is faithfulA wise man will be filled with blessings, and those who see will praise himThe life of a man is in the number of his days. But the days of Israel are innumerableA wise man will inherit honor among the people, and his name will live in eternitySon, test your own mind in your life, and if it is lacking, you should not give it authorityFor not all things are fitting for all persons, and not every kind of thing is agreeable to every soulDo not choose to be eager during any feast, and you should not act with excess toward any foodFor in excessive eating there will be infirmity, and gluttony will continue even unto illnessBy excessive drinking, many have passed away. But he who abstains will add to his life
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