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. 11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.
Proverbs 27:9–11
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.
Proverbs 23:14–16
14 Strike him with a rod, and you will deliver his soul from Sheol. 15 My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will indeed rejoice. 16 My inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
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 6:22–24
22 For wisdom is according to her name. She isn’t manifest to many. (WEB) 23 Give ear, my son, and accept my judgment. Don’t refuse my counsel. (WEB) 24 Bring your feet into her fetters, and your neck into her chain. (WEB)
Proverbs 29:16–18
16 When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall. 17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul. 18 Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the…
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 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)
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