Ben Sira 13:1

1 If you touch tar, it will stick to you, and if you keep company with arrogant people, you will come to be just like them.

Ben Sira 13:1 In-Context

1 If you touch tar, it will stick to you, and if you keep company with arrogant people, you will come to be just like them.

2 Don't try to lift something too heavy for you, and don't keep company with people who are richer and more powerful than you. You cannot keep a clay pot next to an iron kettle; the pot will break if it hits the kettle.

3 If a rich person wrongs someone, he can afford to add insult to injury; but if a poor person is wronged, he is forced to apologize for himself.

4 A rich person will use you as long as he can profit from it, but when you need him, he will leave you helpless.

5 He will live with you as long as you have anything and will gladly drain you dry.