Sirach 37:1-6

1 Every friend will say, "I too have been a friend," but there's a friend who is one in name only.

2 Doesn't the pain bring a person close to death when a companion and friend turns into an enemy?

3 Evil inclination, how did you get involved in covering the land with deceit?

4 Some companions take delight in a friend's happiness, but they turn against them in a time of distress.

5 Some companions work alongside a friend for their stomach's sake, but in the heat of battle, they will shield themselves.

6 Don't forget friends in your heart, and don't neglect them when it comes to your money.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb Good friends will fight with you against a stranger, and against your enemies they will be a strong shield.
• [b]. Heb Don’t forget friends in battle, and don’t neglect them when you divide the spoil.