Sirach 12:8-14

Sirach 12:8-14

{12:8} A friend will not be known in good times, and an enemy will not be hidden in adversity.
{12:9} By the good fortune of a man, his enemies are grieved; and by his misfortune, a friend is revealed.
{12:10} You should never trust your enemy. For his wickedness rusts like a brass pot.
{12:11} And if he humbles himself and goes about bowed down, increase your alertness and guard yourself from him.
{12:12} You should not sit down anywhere near him, nor should you allow him to sit at your right hand, lest perhaps he may turn toward your place, and seek your seat, and then, in the very end, you would understand my words and be stung by my sermon.
{12:13} Who will take pity on an enchanter struck by a serpent, or on someone who draws near to wild beasts? And so it is with one who keeps company with an iniquitous man and is involved in his sins.
{12:14} For one hour, he will abide with you. But if you begin to turn aside, he will not permit it.

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