Ben Sira 13:21

21 When the rich person totters, he is supported by friends, but when the humble falls, he is pushed away even by friends.

Ben Sira 13:21 In-Context

19 Wild asses in the wilderness are the prey of lions; likewise the poor are feeding grounds for the rich.

20 Humility is an abomination to the proud; likewise the poor are an abomination to the rich.

21 When the rich person totters, he is supported by friends, but when the humble falls, he is pushed away even by friends.

22 If the rich person slips, many come to the rescue; he speaks unseemly words, but they justify him. If the humble person slips, they even criticize him; he talks sense, but is not given a hearing.

23 The rich person speaks and all are silent; they extol to the clouds what he says. The poor person speaks and they say, "Who is this fellow?" And should he stumble, they even push him down.

Footnotes

• [a] Other ancient authorities read [poor]