Sirach 9:16-18

Good News Translation

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

Rulers

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.