What is the meaning of Sirach 6 14?

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What is the meaning of this passage is it to remind us that people aren’t faithful friends or is saying that those who do bad things don’t fear the Lord?
 
14 Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter: whoever finds one has found a treasure.
15 Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth.
16 Faithful friends are life-saving medicine; and those who fear the Lord will find them.
17 Those who fear the Lord direct their friendship aright, for as they are, so are their neighbors also.

This passage is about faithful friends. And I don’t see anything about people doing bad things here.

Did you perhaps type in the incorrect scripture reference?
 
No I just don’t understand the meaning of faithful friends could it be because I haven’t found any who are faithful?
 
I guess it depends on how one defines the actions of “faithful friends” in their own life.

In my lifetime, I have had several friends I think would qualify as the faithful friends referred to in the scriptures. We weren’t always buddies who hang out together all the time, but when we did spend time together, our conversations were filled with the Spirit of God.

I have a number of friends like that now. I may see them a few minutes a week after mass, or I might see them once a month or less; or we may exchange a few texts throughout the month. But there is love and support there, and a connection that is based on our relationships with Christ.

These friendships were formed over years. And again, they aren’t my buddies that I hang out with – I don’t actually have friends like that at present. But we are there for each other with prayer, with encouragement, in times of need, in times of celebration.
 
And that’s my cue to quote “The Thousandth Man” by Rudyard Kipling!

One man in a thousand, Solomon says,
Will stick more close than a brother.
And it’s worthwhile seeking him half your days,
If you find him before the other.
Nine hundred and ninety-nine depend
On what the world sees in you,
But the thousandth man will stand your friend
With the whole round world agin’ you.

(The poem is referring to Ecclesiastes 7:28. The Preacher was associated with Solomon, before modern times.)
 
D-R Bible, Haydock Commentary:

Ver. 14. Defence. Jonathas and Chusai saved David.

Ver. 16. And immortality, is not in Greek. (Calmet) — But shews the meaning of life is this place; as a true friend will not cease to give good advice for eternity. (Haydock) — But even in this world, nothing can be more advantageous. (Calmet) — Amicus magis necessarius est quam ignis et aqua. (Cicero) (St. Ambrose, off iii.) — Him. Cicero himself says, “friendship can subsist only among the virtuous.” Yet these, judging others by themselves, are more easily imposed upon, and ought, therefore, to address themselves to God. (Calmet)

Ver. 17. Be. He will instill into his friend sentiments of piety, if he have them not before. Amicitia similes invenit aut facit. “Pythagoras desires that in friendship one should be formed of many.” (Cicero v. 11.) (Haydock)
 
In Jesus a spirituality community will be the basis of friendship.
The Christian community?
 
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King Solomon also makes an amazing point at the end of the Book of Proverbs. He describes a woman who is like a treasure. These attributes are clearly uncommon among friends and significant others through the centuries. I have been fortunate to know both, yet I have lost both also. Though it is bittersweet I said my “I love you’s” which will not disappear even when people pass on or change. Today, I know of none who can replace them when alive and true.
 
Did you celebrate His birth this Christmas, knowing He was born to take on the sin of the world?
 
Yes I’m not dumb I know what Christmas is it’s not all about presents.
 
I’m trying to find out (to know where you’re coming from) what the connection is that you now have with Jesus; He came to take away the sin of the world and you say you do not know Him.
 
What I’m getting at is, the scripture praises true friendship.

If you have been disappointed in that area, be assured that knowing Jesus as your friend has the power to heal. His promise is He will not abandon you.
 
So is the scripture saying that Jesus is the best and truest friend that anyone can ever have?
 
Scripture often has multiple levels, this one on the surface refers to human friendships. However God’s goal of bringing us into relationship tells us that yes, as you say,

“Jesus is the best and truest friend that anyone can ever have”

Amen.
 
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