Ben Sira 12:9

9 One's enemies are friendly when one prospers, but in adversity even one's friend disappears.

Ben Sira 12:9 In-Context

7 Give to the one who is good, but do not help the sinner.

8 A friend is not known in prosperity, nor is an enemy hidden in adversity.

9 One's enemies are friendly when one prospers, but in adversity even one's friend disappears.

10 Never trust your enemy, for like corrosion in copper, so is his wickedness.

11 Even if he humbles himself and walks bowed down, take care to be on your guard against him. Be to him like one who polishes a mirror, to be sure it does not become completely tarnished.

Footnotes

• [a] Heb: Gk [grieved]