9 In a man’s prosperity, his enemies are grieved. In his adversity, even his friend leaves. (WEB) 10 Never trust your enemy, for his wickedness is like corrosion in copper. (WEB) 11 Though he humbles himself and walks bowed down, still be careful and beware of him. You will be to him as one who has wiped a mirror, to be sure it doesn’t completely tarnish. (WEB)
Sirach 12:9–11
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 12:16–18
16 The enemy will speak sweetly with his lips, and in his heart plan to throw you into a pit. The enemy may weep with his eyes, but if he finds opportunity, he will want more blood. (WEB) 17 If adversity meets you, you will find him there before you. Pretending to help yo… (WEB)
Sirach 6:12–14
12 If you are brought low, he will be against you, and will hide himself from your face. (WEB) 13 Separate yourself from your enemies, and beware of your friends. (WEB) 14 A faithful friend is a strong defense. He who has found him has found a treasure. (WEB)
Sirach 37:9–11
9 and say to you, “Your way is good.” Then he will stand near you, to see what will happen to you. (WEB) 10 Don’t take counsel with one who looks askance at you. Hide your counsel from those who are jealous of you. (WEB) 11 Don’t consult with a woman about her rival, with a coward… (WEB)
Sirach 6:8–10
8 For there is a friend just for an occasion. He won’t continue in the day of your affliction. (WEB) 9 And there is a friend who turns into an enemy. He will discover strife to your reproach. (WEB) 10 And there is a friend who is a companion at the table, but he won’t continue in… (WEB)
Sirach 37:3–5
3 O wicked imagination, why were you formed to cover the dry land with deceit? (WEB) 4 There is a companion who rejoices in the gladness of a friend, but in time of affliction will be against him. (WEB) 5 There is a companion who for the belly’s sake labors with his friend, yet… (WEB)
Sirach 6:1–2
1 Don’t become an enemy instead of a friend; for an evil name will inherit shame and reproach. So it is with the sinner who has a double tongue. (WEB) 2 Don’t exalt yourself in the counsel of your soul, that your soul not be torn in pieces like a bull. (WEB)
Sirach 8:18–19
18 Do no secret thing before a stranger, for you don’t know what it will cause. (WEB) 19 Don’t open your heart to every man. Don’t let him return you a favor. (WEB)
Sirach 11:30–32
30 Like a decoy partridge in a cage, so is the heart of a proud man. Like a spy, he looks for your weakness. (WEB) 31 For he lies in wait to turn things that are good into evil, and assigns blame in things that are praiseworthy. (WEB) 32 From a spark of fire, a heap of many coals i… (WEB)
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