a fool and go not with him that hath no sense.

22:15. Keep thyself from him, that thou mayst not have trouble, and thou
shalt not be defiled with his sin.

22:16. Turn away from him, and thou shalt find rest, and shalt not be
wearied out with his folly.

22:17. What is heavier than lead? and what other name hath he but fool?

22:18. Sand and salt, and a mass of iron is easier to bear, than a man
without sense, that is both foolish and wicked.

22:19. A frame of wood bound together in the foundation of a building,
shall not be loosed: so neither shall the heart that is established by
advised counsel.

22:20. The thought of him that is wise at all times, shall not be
depraved by fear.

22:21. As pales set in high places, and plasterings made without cost,
will not stand against the face of the wind:

22:22. So also a fearful heart in the imagination of a fool shall not
resist against the violence of fear.

22:23. As a fearful heart in the thought of a fool at all times will not
fear, so neither shall he that continueth always in the commandments of
God.

22:24. He that pricketh the eye, bringeth out tears: and he that
pricketh the heart, bringeth forth resentment.

22:25. He that flingeth a stone at birds, shall drive them away: so he
that upbraideth his friend, breaketh friendship.

22:26. Although thou hast drawn a sword at a friend, despair not: for
there may be a returning. To a friend,

22:27. If thou hast opened a sad mouth, fear not, for there may be a
reconciliation: except upbraiding, and reproach, and pride, and
disclosing of secrets, or a treacherous wound: for in all these cases a
friend will flee away.

22:28. Keep fidelity with a friend in his poverty, that in his
prosperity also thou mayst rejoice.

22:29. In the time of his trouble continue faithful to him, that thou
mayst also be heir with him in his inheritance.

22:30. As the vapour of a chimney, and the smoke of the fire goeth up
before the fire: so also injurious words, and reproaches, and threats,
before blood.

22:31. I will not be ashamed to salute a friend, neither will I hide
myself from his face: and if any evil happen to me by him, I will bear
it.

22:32. But every one that shall hear it, will beware of him.

22:33. Who will set a guard before my mouth, and a sure seal upon my
lips, that I fall not by them, and that my tongue destroy me not?

Ecclesiasticus Chapter 23

A prayer for grace to flee sin: cautions agains