Sirach 37:1-15

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

37 Every friend says, “I, too, am a friend,”
    but some friends are friends only in name.^(A)
2 Does not sorrow draw near to death
    when a companion and friend^[a] turns into an enemy?^(B)
3 O inclination to evil, why were you formed
    to cover the land with deceit?
⁴ Some companions rejoice in the happiness of friends,
    but in time of trouble they are against them.^(C)
5 Some companions help a friend for their stomachs’ sake,
    yet in battle they will carry his shield.^(D)
6 Do not forget friends during the battle,^[b]
    and do not be unmindful of them when you distribute your spoils.^[c](E)

⁷ All counselors praise the counsel they give,
    but some give counsel in their own interest.
⁸ Be wary of counselors
    and learn first what is their interest,
    for they will take thought for themselves.
They may cast the lot against you^(F)
9     and tell you, “Your way is good,”
    and then stand aside to see what happens to you.
¹⁰ Do not consult the one who regards you with suspicion;
    hide your intentions from those who are jealous of you.
¹¹ Do not consult with a woman about her rival
    or with a coward about war,
with a merchant about business
    or with a buyer about selling,
with a miser about generosity^[d]
    or with the merciless about kindness,
with an idler about any work
    or with a seasonal laborer about finishing the job,
with a lazy slave about a big task—
    pay no attention to any advice they give.^(G)
12 But associate with a godly person
    whom you know to be a keeper of the commandments,
who is like-minded with yourself,
    and who will grieve with you if you fail.^(H)
13 And heed^[e] the counsel of your own heart,
    for no one is more faithful to you than it is.
¹⁴ For our own mind sometimes keeps us better informed
    than seven sentinels sitting high on a watchtower.^(I)
15 But above all pray to the Most High
    that he may direct your way in truth.