Sirach 37:1–6

Every friend will say: I also am his friend: but there is a friend, that is only a friend in name. Is not this a grief even to death?

2 But a companion and a friend shall be turned to an enemy.

3 O wicked presumption, whence camest thou to cover the earth with thy malice, and deceitfulness?

4 There is a companion who rejoiceth with his friend in his joys, but in the time of trouble, he will be against him.

5 There is a companion who condoleth with his friend for his belly’s sake, and he will take up a shield against the enemy.

6 Forget not thy friend in thy mind, and be not unmindful of him in thy riches.

1 Every friend says, “I, too, am a friend,”

but some friends are friends only in name.

2 Does not sorrow draw near to death

when a companion and friend turns into an enemy?

3 O inclination to evil, why were you formed

to cover the land with deceit?

4 Some companions rejoice in the happiness of friends,

but in time of trouble they are against them.

5 Some companions help a friend for their stomachs’ sake,

yet in battle they will carry his shield.

6 Do not forget friends during the battle,

and do not be unmindful of them when you distribute your spoils.

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