A reading from the book of Syrac.

A kind mouth multiplies friends and appeases enemies, and gracious lips promptly friendly greetings.

Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand you're confident.

When you gain a friend, first test him.

And be not too ready to trust him.

For one sort is a friend when it suits him, but he will not be with you in time of distress.

Another is a friend who becomes an enemy and tells of the quarrel to your shame.

Another is a friend, a boon companion, who will not be with you when sorrow comes.

When things go well, he is your other self, and lords it over your servants.

But if you are brought low, he turns against you and avoids meeting you.

Keep away from your enemies.

Be on your guard with your friends.

A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter.

He who finds one finds a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price.

No sum can balance his worth.

A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy,

such as he who fears God finds.

For he who fears God behaves accordingly and his friend will be like himself.

The word of the Lord.

Guide me, Lord in the way of your commands.

Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your statutes and your statutes. I will delight. I will not forget your words.

Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands. Open my eyes that I may consider the wonders of your law. Make me understand

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