Ben Sira 13:3-13

3 A rich person does wrong, and even adds insults; a poor person suffers wrong, and must add apologies.
4 A rich person will exploit you if you can be of use to him, but if you are in need he will abandon you.
5 If you own something, he will live with you; he will drain your resources without a qualm.
6 When he needs you he will deceive you, and will smile at you and encourage you; he will speak to you kindly and say, "What do you need?"
7 He will embarrass you with his delicacies, until he has drained you two or three times, and finally he will laugh at you. Should he see you afterwards, he will pass you by and shake his head at you.
8 Take care not to be led astray and humiliated when you are enjoying yourself.
9 When an influential person invites you, be reserved, and he will invite you more insistently.
10 Do not be forward, or you may be rebuffed; do not stand aloof, or you will be forgotten.
11 Do not try to treat him as an equal, or trust his lengthy conversations; for he will test you by prolonged talk, and while he smiles he will be examining you.
12 Cruel are those who do not keep your secrets; they will not spare you harm or imprisonment.
13 Be on your guard and very careful, for you are walking about with your own downfall.

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. Gk [He]
  • [b]. Other ancient authorities read [in your folly]
  • [c]. Other ancient authorities add as verse 14, [When you hear these things in your sleep, wake up! During all your life love the Lord, and call on him for your salvation.]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.