23 A friend and a companion is always welcome, and a wife with her husband is better than both. (WEB) 24 Relatives and helpers are for a time of affliction, but almsgiving rescues better than both. (WEB) 25 Gold and silver will make the foot stand sure, and counsel is esteemed better than both. (WEB)
Sirach 40:23–25
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 37:4–6
4 There is a companion who rejoices in the gladness of a friend, but in time of affliction will be against him. (WEB) 5 There is a companion who for the belly’s sake labors with his friend, yet in the face of battle will carry his buckler. (WEB) 6 Don’t forget a friend in your s… (WEB)
Proverbs 18:23–24
23 The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. 24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
Sirach 6:13–15
13 Separate yourself from your enemies, and beware of your friends. (WEB) 14 A faithful friend is a strong defense. He who has found him has found a treasure. (WEB) 15 There is nothing that can be taken in exchange for a faithful friend. His excellency is beyond price. (WEB)
Sirach 7:18–20
18 Don’t exchange a friend for something, neither a true brother for the gold of Ophir. (WEB) 19 Don’t deprive yourself of a wise and good wife, for her grace is worth more than gold. (WEB) 20 Don’t abuse a servant who works faithfully, or a hireling who gives you his life. (WEB)
Sirach 20:9–11
9 There is a prosperity that a man finds in misfortunes; and there is a gain that turns to loss. (WEB) 10 There is a gift that will not profit you; and there is a gift that pays back double. (WEB) 11 There are losses because of glory; and there is one who has lifted up his head fr… (WEB)
2 Enoch 51:2–4
2 Hide not your silver in the earth. (2EN) 3 Help the faithful man in affliction, and affliction will not find you in the time of your trouble. (2EN) 4 And every grievous and cruel yoke that come upon you bear all for the sake of the Lord, and thus you will find your reward in t… (2EN)
Sirach 18:16–18
16 Doesn’t the dew relieve the scorching heat? So a word is better than a gift. (WEB) 17 Behold, isn’t a word better than a gift? Both are with a gracious person. (WEB) 18 A fool is ungracious and abusive. The gift of a grudging person consumes the eyes. (WEB)
Proverbs 17:16–18
16 Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom? 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.
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