First Reading
Sirach 6:5-17
- 5
A sweet word multiplieth friends, and appeaseth enemies, and a gracious tongue in a good man aboundeth.
- 6
Be in peace with many, but let one of a thousand be thy counsellor.
- 7
If thou wouldst get a friend, try him before thou takest him, and do not credit him easily.
- 8
For there is a friend for his own occasion, and he will not abide in the day of thy trouble.
- 9
And there is a friend that turneth to enmity; and there is a friend that will disclose hatred and strife and reproaches.
- 10
And there is a friend a companion at the table, and he will not abide in the day of distress.
- 11
A friend if he continue steadfast, shall be to thee as thyself, and shall act with confidence among them of thy household.
- 12
If he humble himself before thee, and hide himself from thy face, thou shalt have unanimous friendship for good.
- 13
Separate thyself from thy enemies, and take heed of thy friends.
- 14
A faithful friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found him, hath found a treasure.
- 15
Nothing can be compared to a faithful friend, and no weight of gold and silver is able to countervail the goodness of his fidelity.
- 16
A faithful friend is the medicine of life and immortality: and they that fear the Lord, shall find him.
- 17
He that feareth God, shall likewise have good friendship: because according to him shall his friend be.
Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition · public domain · 73 books. Psalm numbers follow the Roman lectionary.