1 He who touches pitch blackens his hand; he who associates with an impious man learns his ways.
2 Bear no burden too heavy for you; go with no one greater or wealthier than yourself. How can the earthen pot go with the metal cauldron? When they knock together, the pot will be smashed:
3 The rich man does wrong and boasts of it, the poor man is wronged and begs forgiveness.
4 As long as the rich man can use you he will enslave you, but when you are exhausted, he will abandon you.
5 As long as you have anything he will speak fair words to you, and with smiles he will win your confidence;
6 When he needs something from you he will cajole you, then without regret he will impoverish you.
7 While it serves his purpose he will beguile you, then twice or three times he will terrify you; When later he sees you he will pass you by, and shake his head over you.
8 Guard against being presumptuous; be not as those who lack sense.
9 When invited by a man of influence, keep your distance; then he will urge you all the more.
10 Be not bold with him lest you be rebuffed, but keep not too far away lest you be forgotten.
11 Engage not freely in discussion with him, trust not his many words; For by prolonged talk he will test you, and though smiling he will probe you.
12 Mercilessly he will make of you a laughingstock, and will not refrain from injury or chains.
13 Be on your guard and take care never to accompany men of violence.
14 Every living thing loves its own kind, every man a man like himself.
15 Every being is drawn to its own kind; with his own kind every man associates.
16 Is a wolf ever allied with a lamb? So it is with the sinner and the just.
17 Can there be peace between the hyena and the dog? Or between the rich and the poor can there be peace?
18 Lion's prey are the wild asses of the desert; so too the poor are feeding grounds for the rich.
19 A proud man abhors lowliness; so does the rich man abhor the poor.
20 When a rich man stumbles he is supported by a friend; when a poor man trips he is pushed down by a friend.
21 Many are the supporters for a rich man when he speaks; though what he says is odious, it wins approval. When a poor man speaks they make sport of him; he speaks wisely and no attention is paid him.
22 A rich man speaks and all are silent, his wisdom they extol to the clouds. A poor man speaks and they say: "Who is that?" If he slips they cast him down.
23 Wealth is good when there is no sin; but poverty is evil by the standards of the proud.
24 The heart of a man changes his countenance, either for good or for evil.
25 The sign of a good heart is a cheerful countenance; withdrawn and perplexed is the laborious schemer.
Versículos relacionados com Ecclesiasticus, 13:
Chapter 13 of the Ecclesiastical Book talks about the consequences of making alliances with bad people and how friendship can influence our choices. The author warns of the importance of choosing wisely with whom we associate and advise to avoid getting involved with people who can lead us to sin. Below are five Bible verses that relate to these themes.
Proverbs 13:20: "He who walks with the wise will be increasingly wise, but the foolish companion will end up bad." This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing our friendships wisely, as the influence of the people around us can have a great impact on our lives.
2 Corinthians 6:14: "Don't put yourself in unequal yoke with disbelief. For what do justice and evil have? Or what communion can light with darkness?" This verse warns against the formation of alliances with wicked people, emphasizing that believers must separate from those who do not follow God.
1 Corinthians 15:33: "Don't be fooled: Bad company corrupts good morals." This verse emphasizes the negative influence that bad company can have in our lives and how important it is to choose friends who share our values.
Proverbs 22:24-25: "Don't make friends with those who get easily annoyed or walk in the company of someone living in constant explosions of anger; for you may end up learning your bad customs and get stuck in a trap." This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding friendships with people whose anger can influence us negatively.
Psalm 1:1-2: "As he is happy who does not follow the advice of the wicked, he does not imitate the conduct of sinners, nor does he rest on the wheel of mocking! On the contrary, his satisfaction is in the law of the Lord, and in this law meditates day and night." This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing friends who share our values and help us grow in our relationship with God.
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