GEN295 (Continued from [[EXOD140]] Exodus 11:2 friend BLOCH 140) The rewards of friendship are great, and the Bible encourages people to cultivate it. There are exceptional people who are loners, either by choice or by chance. For most people, the acquisition of friends is a practical necessity. The biblical phrase that “It is not good for man to be alone” [this verse] is as applicable to a man without friends as to a man without a wife. Ecclesiastes advocates the assiduous pursuit of friends Soncino, Eccles. 11:2. Ben Sira informed his readers that “sweet language will multiply friends” Ecclus. 6:5.  He cautioned, however, that “if thou wishest to get a friend, prove him first and not be hasty to credit him” Ecclus 6:7. He also warned, “Open not they heart to every man, lest he replay three with a shrewd turn” Ecclus. 8:19 BLOCH 140-1 (Continued at [[DEUT619]] Deuteronomy 13:7 friend BLOCH 141)