Ben Sira 6:8-18

8 For there are friends who are such when it suits them, but they will not stand by you in time of trouble.
9 And there are friends who change into enemies, and tell of the quarrel to your disgrace.
10 And there are friends who sit at your table, but they will not stand by you in time of trouble.
11 When you are prosperous, they become your second self, and lord it over your servants;
12 but if you are brought low, they turn against you, and hide themselves from you.
13 Keep away from your enemies, and be on guard with your friends.
14 Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter: whoever finds one has found a treasure.
15 Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth.
16 Faithful friends are life-saving medicine; and those who fear the Lord will find them.
17 Those who fear the Lord direct their friendship aright, for as they are, so are their neighbors also.
18 My child, from your youth choose discipline, and when you have gray hair you will still find wisdom.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.