15 There is nothing that can be taken in exchange for a faithful friend. His excellency is beyond price. (WEB) 16 A faithful friend is a life-saving medicine. Those who fear the Lord will find him. (WEB) 17 He who fears the Lord directs his friendship properly; for as he is, so is his neighbor also. (WEB)
Sirach 6:15–17
Semantically similar passages
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 7:17–19
17 Humble your soul greatly, for the punishment of the ungodly man is fire and the worm. (WEB) 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)
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.
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)
Sirach 37:1–2
1 Every friend will say, “I also am his friend”; but there is a friend which is only a friend in name. (WEB) 2 Isn’t there a grief in it even to death when a companion and friend is turned into an enemy? (WEB)
Proverbs 22:10–12
10 Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease. 11 He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend. 12 The LORD’s eyes keep watch over knowledge, but He frustrates the words of the faithless.
Proverbs 27:5–7
5 Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. 6 The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.
Sirach 27:16–18
16 He who reveals secrets destroys trust, and will not find a close friend. (WEB) 17 Love a friend, and keep faith with him; but if you reveal his secrets, you shall not follow him; (WEB) 18 for as a man has destroyed his enemy, so you have destroyed the friendship of your neighbor. (WEB)
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