8 Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home. 9 Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul. 10 Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
Proverbs 27:8–10
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 18:23–24
23 The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. 24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
Sirach 9:9–11
9 Don’t dine at all with a woman who has a husband, or revel with her at wine, lest perhaps your soul turn away to her, and with your spirit you slide into destruction. (WEB) 10 Don’t forsake an old friend; for a new one is not comparable to him. A new friend is like new… (WEB)
Proverbs 17:16–18
16 Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom? 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.
Sirach 6:9–11
9 And there is a friend who turns into an enemy. He will discover strife to your reproach. (WEB) 10 And there is a friend who is a companion at the table, but he won’t continue in the day of your affliction. (WEB) 11 In your prosperity he will be as yourself, and will be bold over… (WEB)
Sirach 7:17–19
17 Humble your soul greatly, for the punishment of the ungodly man is fire and the worm. (WEB) 18 Don’t exchange a friend for something, neither a true brother for the gold of Ophir. (WEB) 19 Don’t deprive yourself of a wise and good wife, for her grace is worth more than gold. (WEB)
Sirach 37:3–5
3 O wicked imagination, why were you formed to cover the dry land with deceit? (WEB) 4 There is a companion who rejoices in the gladness of a friend, but in time of affliction will be against him. (WEB) 5 There is a companion who for the belly’s sake labors with his friend, yet… (WEB)
Sirach 22:22–24
22 If you have opened your mouth against a friend, don’t be afraid, for there may be reconciliation, unless it is for insulting, arrogance, disclosing of a secret, or a treacherous blow— for these things any friend will flee. (WEB) 23 Gain trust with your neighbor in his… (WEB) 24 … (WEB)
Sirach 6:13–15
13 Separate yourself from your enemies, and beware of your friends. (WEB) 14 A faithful friend is a strong defense. He who has found him has found a treasure. (WEB) 15 There is nothing that can be taken in exchange for a faithful friend. His excellency is beyond price. (WEB)
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