Ben Sira 13:4

4 A rich person will exploit you if you can be of use to him, but if you are in need he will abandon you.

Ben Sira 13:4 In-Context

2 Do not lift a weight too heavy for you, or associate with one mightier and richer than you. How can the clay pot associate with the iron kettle? The pot will strike against it and be smashed.

3 A rich person does wrong, and even adds insults; a poor person suffers wrong, and must add apologies.

4 A rich person will exploit you if you can be of use to him, but if you are in need he will abandon you.

5 If you own something, he will live with you; he will drain your resources without a qualm.

6 When he needs you he will deceive you, and will smile at you and encourage you; he will speak to you kindly and say, "What do you need?"

Footnotes

• [a]. Gk [He]