Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 6:5-17

Revised Standard Version

6:5 A pleasant voice multiplies friends, and a gracious tongue multiplies courtesies.
6:6 Let those that are at peace with you be many, but let your advisers be one in a thousand.
6:7 When you gain a friend, gain him through testing, and do not trust him hastily.
6:8 For there is a friend who is such at his own convenience, but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.
6:9 And there is a friend who changes into an enemy, and will disclose a quarrel to your disgrace.
6:10 And there is a friend who is a table companion, but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.
6:11 In prosperity he will make himself your equal, and be bold with your servants;
6:12 but if you are brought low he will turn against you, and will hide himself from your presence. 6:13 Keep yourself far from your enemies, and be on guard toward your friends.
6:14 A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure.
6:15 There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, and no scales can measure his excellence.
6:16 A faithful friend is an elixir of life; and those who fear the Lord will find him.
6:17 Whoever fears the Lord directs his friendship aright, for as he is, so is his neighbor also.