Sir 9:10-18

10Do not abandon old friends;

new ones cannot equal them.

A new friend is like new wine—

when it has aged, you drink it with pleasure.

11Do not envy the wicked

for you do not know when their day will come.

12Do not delight in the pleasures of the ungodly;

remember, they will not die unpunished.

13Keep away from those who have power to kill,

and you will not be filled with the dread of death.

But if you come near them, do not offend them,

lest they take away your life.

Know that you are stepping among snares

and walking over a net.

14As best you can, answer your neighbor,

and associate with the wise.

15With the learned exchange ideas;

and let all your conversation be about the law of the Most High.

16Take the righteous for your table companions;

and let your glory be in the fear of God.

17Work by skilled hands will earn praise;

but the people’s leader is proved wise by his words.

18Loud mouths are feared in their city,

and whoever is reckless in speech is hated.