1 Every friend says, “I too am a friend”; but some friends are friends only in name.
2 A wise man is cautious in everything, and in the days of sin he keeps watch over his ways.
3 And beware of your neighbor, and put no trust in any of his ways; for every neighborhood is full of deceit.
4 There is a cleverness that is detestable, and a fool is more so than a drunken man.
5 Every counselor points out a way, but some counsel ways of their own.
6 For some are a friend when it suits them, but do not stand by you in time of trouble.
7 Every counselor points out a way, but some counsel ways of their own.
8 For every friend says, “I too am a friend”; but some friends are friends only in name.
9 For all living things become old like a garment,
for the decree from of old is, “You must surely die!”
10 Consult not with one who suspects you; And hide your counsel from those who are jealous of you.
11 Do not be slow to visit a sick man, for by such deeds you will gain the love of him.
12 But be continually with a godly man, whom you know to keep the commandments of the Lord, whose mind is like your own mind, and who will grieve with you if you fail.
13 Let reason be the beginning of every work, and let counsel go before every action.
14 For a man’s mind is sometimes wont to tell him more than seven watchmen, that sit above in a high tower.
15 Every beast loves its like, and every man his neighbor.
16 Let reason be the beginning of every work, and let counsel go before every action.
17 The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs,
and an attentive ear is the wise man’s joy.
18 Every counselor points out a way, but some counsel ways of their own.
19 There is a companion who rejoices in the success of a friend, but in time of trouble will be against him.
20 A father’s blessing gives a person the strength of an ox, and a mother’s blessing is better than a house full of treasures.
21 The heart of a man changes his countenance, whether for good or evil, and a cheerful countenance reveals a good heart.
22 A wise man is cautious in everything.
23 A friend is faithful to the end, and a brother is born for adversity.
24 A wise man is cautious in everything, and in the days of sin he keeps watch over his ways.
25 The heart of a man changes his countenance, whether for good or evil, and a cheerful heart makes a cheerful face.
26 A wise man’s knowledge is like a river that overflows, and his counsel is like a pure spring of water.
27 My son, prove thy soul in thy life, and see what is evil for it, and give not that unto it.
28 There be spirits that are created for vengeance, which in their fury lay on sore strokes; in the time of destruction they pour out their force, and appease the wrath of him that made them.
29 Be not impulsive in time of calamity; calm yourself and do not be hasty to act.
30 For excess food is not what befits a man, and any gluttony will be the downfall of the eater.
31 So also a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend; but a counsel of the soul is like death in the heart.
32 So be off, you sluggard!
Use a shovel, and be not idle.
33 And with a shrewd wife you will bear children, but with an adulteress your nest will be in pieces.
34 So too with a city that is exalted but without wisdom.
The True Meaning of Sirach 37
The Book of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, was written by a Jewish scribe named Jesus ben Sira around 200-175 BC. He was a wise teacher who sought to provide guidance and instruction to his fellow Jews during a time of political and social upheaval. Sirach offers wisdom on the importance of choosing trustworthy companions and advisors in this chapter. He warns against the dangers of relying on untrustworthy individuals, echoing the words of Proverbs 12:26, “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Sirach emphasizes the need for discernment and caution when seeking counsel, reminding us that not all who claim to be wise or helpful have our best interests at heart. We will see Sirach’s insights on the qualities to look for in a true friend, the pitfalls of blindly following the advice of others, and the importance of seeking guidance from God as we delve into this chapter. These timeless principles can help us navigate the complexities of life and build meaningful relationships that will strengthen our faith and support us in times of need.
Sirach 37:1-6
The passage in Sirach 37:1-6 cautions against making a friend too quickly, for not everyone is trustworthy. It emphasizes the importance of choosing friends wisely because having a good friend is a priceless treasure. This advice is timeless and echoes the sentiments found in Proverbs 12:26, which states that the righteous should choose their friends carefully. The power of friendship and its impact on one’s life is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, with examples like David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1) exemplifying the beauty of a loyal and supportive friendship.
Moving on, the passage in Sirach continues by warning against trusting everyone, highlighting the reality that not everyone who is friendly has good intentions. This caution is a reminder of the presence of deceit and ulterior motives in the world. It aligns with the biblical teaching found in Proverbs 11:9, which speaks about the dangers of hypocrisy and deceit. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous accounts of individuals who were deceived by false friends or allies, such as Samson and Delilah (Judges 16), showcasing the devastating consequences of misplaced trust.
Furthermore, the passage advises seeking the counsel of wise individuals, for their guidance can be a source of great benefit. This echoes the biblical wisdom found in Proverbs 12:15, which encourages seeking counsel and guidance from the wise. The importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from those who are knowledgeable and prudent is a recurring motif in the Bible, with figures like King Solomon known for his wisdom and sought-after counsel (1 Kings 4:29-34).
Additionally, Sirach warns against consulting with one’s reflection or thoughts, implying that relying solely on one’s own understanding can be limiting and prone to error. This caution aligns with the biblical admonition in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages trust in the Lord rather than relying on one’s own understanding. The contrast between seeking wisdom from others and trusting in oneself is a significant theme in the Bible, with characters like Job (Job 38-42) learning the importance of relying on God’s wisdom rather than their own limited perspective. Sirach 37:1-6 imparts valuable insights on the significance of discernment in friendships, the dangers of misplaced trust, the benefits of seeking counsel from the wise, and the limitations of relying solely on one’s own understanding. These timeless messages resonate throughout the Bible, illustrating the importance of wisdom, discernment, and the guidance of God in navigating relationships and decision-making in all aspects of life.
Sirach 37:7-15
The passage in Sirach 37:7-15 warns against consulting with someone who is untrustworthy or unreliable, stating, “Every counselor points out a way, but some counsel ways of their own.”” This caution highlights the importance of seeking counsel from those who are wise, honest, and have the best interests of the seeker at heart. It emphasizes the need for discernment in choosing advisors and the potential consequences of following misguided or self-serving advice.
The next section of the passage focuses on the importance of seeking advice from those who are experienced and wise, stating, “Be cautious in their presence, and hear every word. Do not be surprised at the words of the wise, or abhor any of their proverbs.” Here, the text underscores the value of wisdom passed down through generations and the need to be open to learning from those who have lived and learned before us. It encourages humility and a willingness to consider perspectives that may differ from our own.
The passage then goes on to caution against four types of people: those who are hypocritical, proud, shameless, and foolish. It warns that associating with these individuals can lead to negative consequences and can potentially impact one’s own reputation and wellbeing. This advice aligns with biblical teachings that emphasize the importance of choosing companions wisely and being mindful of the impact of our relationships on our character and spiritual growth. The passage highlights the significance of discerning the intentions and character of those around us in the following verses. It encourages seeking out individuals who are honest, sincere, and compassionate, stating, “Keep close watch over a headstrong daughter, or else she may make you a laughingstock to your enemies, a byword in the city and the assembly of the people, and put you to shame in public gatherings.” This serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of failing to recognize and address negative influences in our lives.
Throughout this passage, there is a consistent theme of the importance of wisdom, discernment, and humility in seeking counsel and choosing companions. It underscores the need to surround ourselves with individuals who will guide us towards righteousness and growth, while cautioning against the pitfalls of following misguided advice or associating with those who may lead us astray. We can navigate life’s challenges with grace and integrity by recognizing the value of seeking out wise counsel and forming meaningful relationships based on honesty and integrity, in alignment with biblical principles and teachings.
Sirach 37:16-26
Several important sections in Sirach 37:16-26 carry significant messages for the readers. Let’s identify the subject: “we”
Rewritten sentence: We will break it down and delve deeper into each part to uncover the timeless wisdom hidden within these verses.
Starting with verse 16, “Let reason be the first principle for you in all you do; look for it with all your strength.” This verse emphasizes the importance of using reason and wisdom in all aspects of our lives. For believers, this echoes the teaching found in Proverbs 4:7, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. We can make sound decisions and navigate life’s challenges with clarity and discernment by prioritizing reason and wisdom. This verse serves as a reminder for us to seek God’s wisdom in all that we do, aligning our actions with his divine principles. The focus shifts to the nature of friendships and relationships in verses 17-22. These verses warn against revealing your secrets to just anyone, highlighting the importance of discretion in choosing whom to trust. Proverbs 17:9 echoes this sentiment, stating, “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” Building trustworthy relationships is crucial in our walk of faith, as we are called to support and uplift one another. The caution here is to be discerning in sharing personal matters, as not everyone may have our best interests at heart. This serves as a valuable lesson in cultivating healthy relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
Moving on to verses 23-26, the text addresses the topic of testing friends and their loyalty. It advises observing how someone behaves in times of adversity to determine their true character. This mirrors the Biblical narrative of Job’s friends in the Book of Job. When Job faced trials, his friends initially offered comfort, but later their true colors emerged as they doubted Job’s righteousness. This cautionary tale reminds us to surround ourselves with friends who will stand by us through thick and thin, reflecting the unconditional love and support we receive from God. A friend who sticks closer than a brother is mentioned in Proverbs 18:24 as one who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin.” This verse underscores the importance of cultivating authentic relationships built on loyalty and trust. Sirach 37:16-26 imparts timeless wisdom on the significance of reason, discernment in relationships, and testing the loyalty of friends. We can navigate the complexities of human interactions with grace and wisdom by incorporating these teachings into our lives, reflecting the virtues upheld in the Scriptures.
Sirach 37:27-31
The verses in Sirach 37:27-31 advise on choosing good friends and avoiding bad company. The verses read, “My son, prove thy soul in thy life, and see what is evil for it, and give not that unto it. For all things are not profitable for all men, neither hath every soul pleasure in every thing. Be not unsatiable in any dainty thing, nor too greedy upon meats: For excess of meats bringeth sickness, and surfeiting will turn into choler. Many have perished by surfeiting, but those who take heed prolong their life.”
The first part advises on self-examination and self-control when it comes to choosing what is right for oneself. It reminds us of the importance of understanding our own weaknesses and temptations, and not indulging in things that are harmful or sinful for us personally. This idea is echoed in 1 Corinthians 6:12, which states, “I will not be mastered by anything.”
The text warns against being insatiable or greedy, using the example of excess in food leading to sickness. This caution against overindulgence is a theme that appears throughout the Bible. Proverbs 23:20-21 advises, “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” This verse cautions against the dangers of overconsumption and urges moderation in all things.
Furthermore, the passage ends with a stark reminder that many have perished due to their lack of self-control and overindulgence. This is a powerful message about the importance of self-discipline and restraint, as opposed to falling into the trap of excess which can lead to destruction. This warning correlates with the biblical teachings on self-discipline and temperance. Galatians 5:22-23 notes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” This highlights the importance of self-control as a key aspect of the Christian life. The emphasis in Sirach 37:27-31 is on self-awareness, self-control, and moderation. These qualities are essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced life, avoiding pitfalls that lead to harm and destruction. The timeless message of this passage resonates through the ages, reminding believers to be vigilant in their choices and actions, always striving for self-improvement and spiritual growth.
After Sirach 37
The chapter concluded with a sobering reminder that even the closest of friends may not always have our best interests at heart. We must be discerning in our relationships and not blindly trust those who claim to care for us. We would do well to heed this wisdom and approach new connections with a measure of caution as we move forward. For the path ahead may be fraught with hidden dangers, and only by exercising prudence can we hope to navigate it safely. We will explore the importance of maintaining a good reputation and the consequences of failing to do so in the next chapter. For a person’s name, like a well-tended garden, requires constant care and attention if it is to flourish. We must now turn our gaze to this vital aspect of our lives to better understand how to cultivate a legacy that will endure.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.