Sirach 6:7 kjva — If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.

King James Version with Apocrypha

"If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him."

— Sirach 6:7, King James Version with Apocrypha

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Sirach 6:7 in Other Translations

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DRB
“If thou wouldst get a friend, try him before thou takest him, and do not credit him easily.”
Douay-Rheims Bible · Read this chapter in DRB

Sirach 6 — Context

A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.

Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings.

Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.

If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.

For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the day of thy trouble.

And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife will discover thy reproach.

Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of thy affliction.

Sirach 6:7 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions

What does Sirach 6:7 say?

Sirach 6:7 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.”

Where is Sirach 6:7 in the Bible?

Sirach 6:7 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of Sirach, chapter 6, verse 7.

Who wrote Sirach?

Sirach is traditionally attributed to Jesus ben Sira of Jerusalem (Greek translation by his grandson). Also known as Ecclesiasticus ("the church book"). The grandson's prologue dates the Greek translation to Egypt c. 132 BC. Significant Hebrew portions survive in the Cairo Geniza and at Masada. It was written c. 180 BC (Hebrew original); c. 132 BC (Greek translation).

What is the book of Sirach about?

Sirach is the longest wisdom book in the broader canon — fifty-one chapters of proverbs, hymns, and reflections on the fear of the Lord. Ben Sira touches every corner of life: speech and silence, business and friendship, family and discipline, table manners and grief. The book closes with the "Praise of the Fathers" (chs. 44–50), a hymnic survey of Israel's heroes from Enoch to the high priest Simon — a forerunner of Hebrews 11.

What are the major themes of Sirach?

Sirach explores themes including Fear of the Lord, Wisdom, Ethics, Friendship, Heroes of Faith. These themes shape the meaning and context of Sirach 6:7.

What translation should I read Sirach 6:7 in?

Sirach 6:7 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.

How can I memorize Sirach 6:7?

Sirach 6:7 reads (KJVA): “If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.

Sirach 6:7 kjva — If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.

Read in Another Translation

Sirach 6:7 in Other Translations

Sirach 6 — Context

Sirach 6:7 — Frequently Asked Questions

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