Sirach 12 - Contemporary English Version Interconfessional Edition（CEVDCI）

Do Good to Those Who Deserve It

1

So be on guard against them,

even if they bow down

and act humble.

12Don't make them your partners,

or they will push you aside

and take over.

Then you will know I was right,

and you will feel the sting

of my words.

13If you try to charm snakes

or to tame wild animals,

who will take pity

when you get bitten?

14In the same way,

no one will take pity

if you are friendly with sinners

and start sinning yourself.

15Enemies act loyal for a while,

but they won't stand by you

when you need help.

16They tell you how much

they want to be your friends,

all the while plotting

to put you in your grave.

They weep when you are sad,

but they will try to kill you

the first chance they get.

17If you are struck by disaster,

they pretend to help

but pull you down instead.

18Then they laugh and sneer,

making vulgar hand signs,

showing what kind of friends

they really are.