Ben Sira 12:9

9 even your friends will leave you then. But when you are successful, your enemies will act like friends.

Ben Sira 12:9 In-Context

7 Give to good people, but do not help sinners.
8 When things are going well, it is hard to tell who your real friends are, but in hard times you can recognize your enemies;
9 even your friends will leave you then. But when you are successful, your enemies will act like friends.
10 Never trust an enemy; his wickedness is as destructive as rust.
11 Watch out, and be on guard against him, even if he acts ever so humble. He is like a metal mirror that rusts away if you don't keep it polished.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. [Hebrew] act like friends; [Greek] be sorry.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.