6 Let those that are at peace with you be many, but your advisers one of a thousand. (WEB) 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. (WEB) 8 For there is a friend just for an occasion. He won’t continue in the day of your affliction. (WEB)
Sirach 6:6–8
Semantically similar passages
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 12:7–9
7 Give to the good man, and don’t help the sinner. (WEB) 8 A man’s friend won’t be fully tried in prosperity. His enemy won’t be hidden in adversity. (WEB) 9 In a man’s prosperity, his enemies are grieved. In his adversity, even his friend leaves. (WEB)
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 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 6:13–15
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)
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 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 12:14–16
14 Even so, who will pity him who goes to a sinner, and is associated with him in his sins? (WEB) 15 For a while he will stay with you, and if you falter, he will not stay. (WEB) 16 The enemy will speak sweetly with his lips, and in his heart plan to throw you into a pit. The enemy… (WEB)
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