21 If you have drawn a sword against a friend, don’t despair, for there may be a way back. (WEB) 22 If you have opened your mouth against a friend, don’t be afraid, for there may be reconciliation, unless it is for insulting, arrogance, disclosing of a secret, or a treacherous blow— for these things any friend will flee. (WEB) 23 Gain trust with your neighbor in his poverty, that in his prosperity you may have gladness. Stay steadfast to him in the time of his affliction, that you may be heir with him in his inheritance. (WEB)
Sirach 22:21–23
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 27:16–18
16 He who reveals secrets destroys trust, and will not find a close friend. (WEB) 17 Love a friend, and keep faith with him; but if you reveal his secrets, you shall not follow him; (WEB) 18 for as a man has destroyed his enemy, so you have destroyed the friendship of your neighbor. (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)
Job 6:13–15
13 Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me? 14 A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. 15 But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow,
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 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 14:12–14
12 Remember that death will not wait, and that the covenant of Hades hasn’t been shown to you. (WEB) 13 Do good to your friends before you die. According to your ability, reach out and give to them. (WEB) 14 Don’t deprive yourself of a good day. Don’t let your share of a desired go… (WEB)
Sirach 27:20–22
20 Don’t pursue him, for he has gone far away, and has escaped like a gazelle out of the snare. (WEB) 21 For a wound may be bound up, and after abuse there may be reconciliation; but he who reveals secrets is without hope. (WEB) 22 One who winks the eye contrives evil things; and t… (WEB)
Sirach 7:11–13
11 Don’t laugh a man to scorn when he is in the bitterness of his soul, for there is one who humbles and exalts. (WEB) 12 Don’t devise a lie against your brother, or do the same to a friend. (WEB) 13 Refuse to utter a lie, for that habit results in no good. (WEB)
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