Sirach 9:10-16

Common English Bible

¹⁰ Don’t abandon old friends,
        because newer ones are not their equals.
    New friends are like new wine;
        when wine ages,
        you will drink it with good cheer.

¹¹ Don’t envy the good reputation
of sinners,
    since you don’t know
    how sudden their end will be.
¹² Don’t delight in the success
of the ungodly.
    Remember that they won’t
    be considered righteous,
        even in the grave.^[a]

¹³ Keep far away from people
who have the authority to kill,
    and you won’t be worried
    by the fear of death.
        If you do approach them,
        don’t make a mistake,
        or they might take away your life.
    Be aware that you are stepping
    among traps
    and that you are walking
    on the parapet of the city’s walls.
¹⁴ As much as you can,
investigate your neighbor
    and consult with wise people.
¹⁵ Converse with intelligent people,
    and talk constantly about the Law
    of the Most High.
¹⁶ Let righteous people
be your dinner companions,
    and let your pride
    be in the fear of the Lord.