Bible Reading: Sirach 9:10-16

Sirach is one of the books that you find in the Catholic Bible; the Protestant bibles removed this book. It's one of my favorites. Here is the section about "Choice of Friends."

Sirach 9:10-16

Discard not an old friend,
for the new one cannot equal him.
A new friend is like new wine
which you drink with pleasure only when it has aged.
Envy not a sinner's fame,
for you know not what disaster awaits him.
Rejoice not at a proud man's success;
remember he will not reach death unpunished.
Keep far from the man who has power to kill,
and you will not be filled with the dread of death.
But if you approach him, offend him not,
lest he take away your life;
Know that you are stepping among snares
and walking over a net.
As best you can, take your neighbors'
measure,
and associate with the wise.
With the learned be intimate;
let all your conversation be about the law of
the Lord.
Have just men for your table companions;
in the fear of God be your glory.