Wisdom of Jesus 6:1-37 of 51 (KJV)

Pray for God’s Wisdom and Understanding,
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus).

{6:1} Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for [thereby] thou shalt inherit an ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a sinner that hath a double tongue.

{6:2} Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy soul be not torn in pieces as a bull [straying alone.]

{6:3} Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave thyself as a dry tree.

{6:4} A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.

{6:5} Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings.

{6:6} Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.

{6:7} If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.

{6:8} For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the day of thy trouble.

{6:9} And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife will discover thy reproach.

{6:10} Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of thy affliction.

{6:11} But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold over thy servants.

{6:12} If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will hide himself from thy face.

{6:13} Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy friends.

{6:14} A faithfull friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure.

{6:15} Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his excellency is invaluable.

{6:16} A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lord shall find him.

{6:17} Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright: for as he is, so shall his neighbour be also.

{6:18} My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou find wisdom till thine old age.

{6:19} Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for her good fruits: for thou shalt not toil much in labouring about her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon.

{6:20} She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without understanding will not remain with her.

{6:21} She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will cast her from him ere it be long.

{6:22} For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest unto many.

{6:23} Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my counsel,

{6:24} And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her chain.

{6:25} Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with her bonds.

{6:26} Come unto her with thy whole heart, and keep her ways with all thy power.

{6:27} Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee: and when thou hast got hold of her, let her not go.

{6:28} For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be turned to thy joy.

{6:29} Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her chains a robe of glory.

{6:30} For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are purple lace.

{6:31} Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her about thee as a crown of joy.

{6:32} My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent.

{6:33} If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,

{6:34} Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave unto him that is wise.

{6:35} Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the parables of understanding escape thee.

{6:36} And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door.

{6:37} Let thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate continually in his commandments: he shall establish thine heart, and give thee wisdom at thine owns desire.

Thanking God for teaching us his Word, Amen.
End of Wisdom of Jesus Chapter 6/51.