Ben Sira 12:2-12

2 You will be repaid for any kindness you show to a devout person. If he doesn't repay you, the Most High will.
3 No good ever comes to a person who gives comfort to the wicked; it is not a righteous act.
4 Give to religious people, but don't help sinners.
5 Do good to humble people, but don't give anything to those who are not devout. Don't give them food, or they will use your kindness against you. Every good thing you do for such people will bring you twice as much trouble in return.
6 The Most High himself hates sinners, and he will punish them.
7 Give to good people, but do not help sinners.
8 When things are going well, it is hard to tell who your real friends are, but in hard times you can recognize your enemies;
9 even your friends will leave you then. But when you are successful, your enemies will act like friends.
10 Never trust an enemy; his wickedness is as destructive as rust.
11 Watch out, and be on guard against him, even if he acts ever so humble. He is like a metal mirror that rusts away if you don't keep it polished.
12 Seat an enemy at your right hand, and the next thing you know he'll be trying to get your own place of honor. Put him next to you, and he will overthrow you. Then you will realize the truth of my words, and be stung with regret when you remember them.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. [Hebrew] gives . . . act; [Greek] makes evil a habit or refuses to give to the poor.
  • [b]. [Hebrew] act like friends; [Greek] be sorry.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.