Sirach 37:1–6

Every friend saith, I am his friend also:

But there is a friend, which is only a friend in name.

2  Is it not a grief unto death,

When a companion and friend is turned to an enemy?

3  O wicked imagination, whence camest thou in

To cover the earth with deceit?

4  aThere is a companion, which rejoiceth in the prosperity of a friend,

But in the time of trouble will be against him.

5  There is a companion, which helpeth his friend for the belly,

And taketh up the buckler * against the enemy.

6  Forget not thy friend in thy mind,

And be not unmindful of him bin thy riches.