Sirach 12 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021(NRSVUE)

Sirach 12

1

7Give to the one who is good, but do not help the sinner.

8 in prosperity,

nor is an enemy hidden in adversity.

9 when one prospers,

but in adversity even one’s friend disappears.

10Never trust your enemy,

for like corrosion in copper, so is his wickedness.

11 Ps 10.10; Sir 19.26 Even if he humbles himself and walks bowed down,

take care to be on your guard against him.

Be to him like one who polishes a mirror,

to be sure it does not become completely tarnished.

12Do not put him next to you,

or he may overthrow you and take your place.

Do not let him sit at your right hand,

or else he may try to take your own seat,

and at last you will acknowledge my words

and be stung by what I have said.

13 Ps 58.5; Eccl 10.11; Jer 8.17 Who pities a snake charmer when he is bitten

or all those who go near wild animals?

14 Sir 21.2 So no one pities people who associate with sinners

and become involved in their sins.

15They stand by you for a while,

but if you falter, they will not be there.

16 Ps 28.3; 55.21; Prov 26.24, 25; Jer 41.6, 7 Enemies speak sweetly with their lips,

but in their hearts they plan to throw you into a pit;

enemies may have tears in their eyes,

but if they find an opportunity they will never have enough of your blood.

17 Ps 41.9 If evil comes upon you, you will find them there ahead of you;

pretending to help, they will trip you up.

18 Sir 13.7, 25 Then they will shake their heads and clap their hands

and whisper much and show their true faces.