4 A wicked soul will destroy him who has it, and will make him a laughing stock to his enemies. (WEB) 5 Sweet words will multiply a man’s friends. A gracious tongue will multiply courtesies. (WEB) 6 Let those that are at peace with you be many, but your advisers one of a thousand. (WEB)
Sirach 6:4–6
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 37:6–8
6 Don’t forget a friend in your soul. Don’t be unmindful of him in your riches. (WEB) 7 Every counselor extols counsel, but some give counsel in their own interest. (WEB) 8 Let your soul beware of a counselor, and know in advance what is his interest (for he will take counsel fo… (WEB)
Proverbs 27:5–7
5 Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. 6 The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.
Proverbs 18:5–7
5 Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. 6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. 7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Sirach 20:12–14
12 There is one who buys much for a little, and pays for it again sevenfold. (WEB) 13 He who is wise in words will make himself beloved; but the pleasantries of fools will be wasted. (WEB) 14 The gift of a fool will not profit you, for he looks for repayment many times instead of o… (WEB)
Proverbs 22:10–12
10 Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease. 11 He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend. 12 The LORD’s eyes keep watch over knowledge, but He frustrates the words of the faithless.
Proverbs 16:23–25
23 The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
Ecclesiastes 10:11–13
11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. 12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. 13 The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
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