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 7:18–20
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 9:1–3
1 Don’t be jealous over the wife of your bosom, and don’t teach her an evil lesson against yourself. (WEB) 2 Don’t give your soul to a woman and let her trample down your strength. (WEB) 3 Don’t go to meet a woman who plays the prostitute, lest perhaps you fall into her snares. (WEB)
Proverbs 3:26–28
26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare. 27 Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act. 28 Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”— when you already have the means.
Sirach 6:14–16
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) 16 A faithful friend is a life-saving medicine. Those who fear the Lord will fin… (WEB)
Sirach 8:1–3
1 Don’t contend with a mighty man, lest perhaps you fall into his hands. (WEB) 2 Don’t strive with a rich man, lest perhaps he overpower you; for gold has destroyed many, and turned away the hearts of kings. (WEB) 3 Don’t argue with a loudmouthed man. Don’t heap wood upon his fi… (WEB)
Job 36:17–19
17 But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have seized you. 18 Be careful that no one lures you with riches; do not let a large bribe lead you astray. 19 Can your wealth or all your mighty effort keep you from distress?
Job 28:14–16
14 The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ 15 It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. 16 It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire.
Sirach 7:25–27
25 Give your daughter in marriage, and you will have accomplished a great matter. Give her to a man of understanding. (WEB) 26 Do you have a wife who pleases you? Don’t cast her out. But don’t trust yourself to one who is hateful. (WEB) 27 Honor your father with your whole heart, a… (WEB)
Sirach 9:9–11
9 Don’t dine at all with a woman who has a husband, or revel with her at wine, lest perhaps your soul turn away to her, and with your spirit you slide into destruction. (WEB) 10 Don’t forsake an old friend; for a new one is not comparable to him. A new friend is like new… (WEB)
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