Ben Sira 11:30

30 A proud person is a decoy to lure you into danger; like a spy, he will look for your weaknesses.

Ben Sira 11:30 In-Context

28 So then, don't think of anyone's life as happy until it is over, because all the evidence is not in until the person is dead.

29 Be careful about the kind of person you invite into your home, because clever people can fool you in many ways.

30 A proud person is a decoy to lure you into danger; like a spy, he will look for your weaknesses.

31 He will make good appear evil and find fault with the noblest actions.

32 A single spark can set a pile of coals ablaze, and a sinner is just waiting for a chance to do violence.

Footnotes

• [a] [Hebrew] look . . . weaknesses; [Greek] wait for your downfall.