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) 6 Don’t forget a friend in your soul. Don’t be unmindful of him in your riches. (WEB)
Sirach 37:4–6
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 12:8–10
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.
Proverbs 17:16–18
16 Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom? 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.
Sirach 22:22–24
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… (WEB) 24 … (WEB)
Sirach 6:13–15
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) 15 There is nothing that can be taken in exchange for a faithful friend. His excellency is beyond price. (WEB)
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 12:14–16
14 Even so, who will pity him who goes to a sinner, and is associated with him in his sins? (WEB) 15 For a while he will stay with you, and if you falter, he will not stay. (WEB) 16 The enemy will speak sweetly with his lips, and in his heart plan to throw you into a pit. The enemy… (WEB)
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