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 in the face of battle will carry his buckler. (WEB)
Sirach 37:3–5
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 6:9–11
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 the day of your affliction. (WEB) 11 In your prosperity he will be as yourself, and will be bold over… (WEB)
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 12:8–10
8 A man’s friend won’t be fully tried in prosperity. His enemy won’t be hidden in adversity. (WEB) 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)
Proverbs 18:23–24
23 The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. 24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
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)
Sirach 27:22–24
22 One who winks the eye contrives evil things; and those who know him will keep their distance. (WEB) 23 When you are present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire your words; but afterward he will twist his speech and set a trap in your words. (WEB) 24 I have hated many things,… (WEB)
Proverbs 27:5–7
5 Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. 6 The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.
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)
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