Open English Translation SIR Chapter 6

5 Sweet words will multiply a man’s friends.

A gracious tongue will multiply courtesies.

6 Let those that are at peace with you be many,

but your advisers one of a thousand.

7 If you want to gain a friend, get him in a time of testing,

and don’t be in a hurry to trust him.

8 Because there’s a friend just for an occasion.

He won’t continue in the day of your affliction.

9 And there’s a friend who turns into an enemy.

He’ll discover strife to your reproach.

10 And there’s a friend who’s a companion at the table,

but he won’t continue in the day of your affliction.

11 In your prosperity he’ll be as yourself,

and will be bold over your servants.

12 If you’re brought low, he’ll be against you,

and will hide himself from your face.

13 Separate yourself from your enemies,

and beware of your friends.

14 A faithful friend is a strong defence.

He who’s found him has found a treasure.

15 There’s nothing that can be taken in exchange for a faithful friend.

His excellency is beyond price.

16 A faithful friend is a life-saving medicine.

Those who fear the master will find him.

17 He who fears the master directs his friendship properly;

for as he is, so is his neighbour also.

18 My son, gather instruction from your youth up.

Even when you have grey hair you’ll find wisdom.

19 Come to her as one who ploughs and sows

and wait for her good fruit;

for your toil will be little in her cultivation,

and you’ll soon eat of her fruit.

20 How extremely harsh she’s to the unlearned!

He who’s without understanding won’t remain in her.

21 She’ll rest on him as a mighty stone of trial.

He won’t hesitate to throw her from him.

22 Because wisdom is according to her name.

She isn’t manifest to many.

23 Give ear, my son, and accept my judgement.

Don’t refuse my counsel.

24 Bring your feet into her fetters,

and your neck into her chain.

25 Put your shoulder under her and bear her.

Don’t be grieved with her bonds.

26 Come to her with all your soul.

Keep her ways with your whole power.

27 Search and seek, and she’ll be made known to you.

When you get hold of her, don’t let her go.

28 Because at the last you’ll find her rest;

and she’ll be turned for you into gladness.

29 Her fetters will be to you for a covering of strength,

and her chains for a robe of glory.

30 Because there’s a golden ornament on her,

and her bands are a purple cord.[ref]

31 You’ll put her on as a robe of glory,

and will put her on as a crown of rejoicing.

32 My son, if you’re willing, you’ll be instructed.

If you’ll yield your soul, you’ll be prudent.

33 If you love to hear, you’ll receive.

If you incline your ear, you’ll be wise.

34 Stand in the multitude of the elders.

Attach yourself to whomever is wise.

35 Be willing to listen to every godly discourse.

Don’t let the proverbs of understanding escape you.

36 If you see a man of understanding, get to him early.

Let your foot wear out the steps of his doors.

37 Let your mind live on the ordinances of the master

and meditate continually on his commandments.

He’ll establish your heart

and your desire for wisdom will be given to you.