Sirach 37 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021(NRSVUE)

Sirach 37False Friends

1 turns into an enemy?

3O inclination to evil, why were you formed

to cover the land with deceit?

4

and do not be unmindful of them when you distribute your spoils.Caution in Taking Advice

7All counselors praise the counsel they give,

but some give counsel in their own interest.

8

or with the merciless about kindness,

with an idler about any work

or with a seasonal laborer about finishing the job,

with a lazy slave about a big task—

pay no attention to any advice they give.

12 the counsel of your own heart,

for no one is more faithful to you than it is.

14

18

good and evil, life and death,

and it is the tongue that continually rules them.

19

23

and their names will live forever.

Concerning Moderation

27My child, test yourself while you live;

see what is bad for you, and do not give in to it.

28 1 Cor 6.12; 10.23 For not everything is good for everyone,

and no one enjoys everything.

29 Sir 31.12, 16, 17 Do not be greedy for every delicacy,

and do not eat without restraint,

30 Sir 31.20 for overeating brings sickness,

and gluttony leads to nausea.

31Many have died of gluttony,

but those who guard against it prolong their lives.