“True Friendship” Sirach 6

5 “A kind mouth multiplies friends, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings.”

6 “Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand your confidant.”

7 “When you gain a friend, first test him, and be not too ready to trust him.”

8 “For one sort of friend is a friend when it suits him, but he will not be with you in time of distress.”

9 “Another is a friend who becomes an enemy, and tells of the quarrel to your shame.”

10 “Another is a friend, a boon companion, who will not be with you when sorrow comes.”

11 “When things go well, he is your other self, and lords it over your servants;”

12 “But if you are brought low, he turns against you and avoids meeting you.”

13 “Keep away from your enemies; be on your guard with your friend.”

14 “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure.”

15 “A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth.”

16 “A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds;”

17 “For he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself.”