Sirach
Chapter 37
Choosing a Friend
Every friend says, “I am your friend, too,” but some friends are only friends in name.
Isn’t it a profoundly sorrowful experience when a friend or companion becomes an enemy?
O evil intent! Where have you come from to spread deceit across the earth?
One type of friend benefits from his buddy’s good luck; in moments of difficulty, he betrays him.
Another kind sympathizes with his friend’s suffering for the sake of a meal; when it comes to a fight, he only thinks about saving himself.
Never neglect a friend or forget him once you are wealthy.
Choosing an Advisor
All advisers give advice, but some seek only their own gain.
Distrust anyone who offers advice, lest they take advantage of you; first, ask yourself what they lack and what their own interests suggest.
Maybe they tell you, “You are on the right path,” while they keep their distance to see what happens to you.
Do not seek advice from someone who looks at you suspiciously; hide your plans from those who envy you.
Do not ask a woman about her rival, a coward about war, a merchant about exchange rates, a buyer about selling, a jealous man about gratitude, a selfish person about generosity, an idler about any work, a casual worker about finishing a job, or a lazy servant about an important task. Do not rely on these people for advice.
Instead, go to a trustworthy person whom you know keeps the commandments, whose soul reflects your own, and who will suffer with you if you fail.
Ultimately, follow your own heart’s advice, since no one deserves to be trusted more than your heart.
For a person’s soul often offers better advice than seven guards placed on a high place.
And above all, pray to the Almighty to guide your steps in the truth.
The Wise
A plan must be in place at the start of all work; reflection comes before every action.
When you decide, four paths are open before you:
good, evil, life, and death. Your own choice determines the outcome.
A clever man may teach many, but he may not benefit himself.
A man may be wise, but if his words are rejected, he will end up starving,
not having gained the favor of the Lord and lacking all wisdom.
Another man is wise for himself; he takes advantage of his own wisdom.
The truly wise man teaches his people, and they profit from his knowledge.
The wise man is full of blessings; those who see him call him happy.
Man’s days are numbered, but Israel’s days are countless.
The wise man will earn the trust of his people; his name will live forever.
Health
My son, test yourself throughout your life; identify what is harmful and stay away from it.
Not everything suits everyone, and not everyone is satisfied with all things.
Do not be insatiable in every pleasure, or be excessive in what you eat;
for overeating leads to sickness, and gluttony brings indigestion.
Many have died from overeating; he who practices moderation extends his life.
Commentaries
Choosing a Friend.
In everyday life and close relationships, it is useful to understand this teaching of Ben Sirach, who warns us to beware of “friends in name only” (1), those who can turn into enemies (2), and those who are only around when things are good (4). On the other hand, we should support and even reward those who remain loyal during difficult times, like “times of battle” (5s).
Choosing an Advisor.
After describing the psychology of the advisor (7-9), we see a list of advisors it is pointless to consult because they would openly oppose us (10s). It concludes that only two types of advisors are truly suitable: those who always respect the Lord and follow his commandments and align with your views (12); and secondly, your own heart, meaning your ability to discern and intuit what is best for yourself. Ultimately, it is the heart that turns to the Lord to ask for guidance in truth (14s), embodying the ideal of the wise person.
The Wise.
Four essential truths summarize human life: good and evil, life and death. Ultimately, all four are shaped by the tongue. Our tongue has the power to bring great good or harm; it can pass on life when words reflect truth and love, but it can also cause death. It is each person’s responsibility to control the quality of their words and decide whether their tongue serves good or evil, life or death.
Health.
A helpful tip for maintaining good health is to resist giving in to your appetite; this advice reflects a culture of frequent banquets and feasts, typical of a certain segment of society. But for the thousands of men, women, and children who spend their days with little or nothing to eat, what advice should we offer?