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In prosperity we cannot know our friends;[a]
    in adversity an enemy will not remain concealed.(A)
When one is successful even an enemy is friendly;
    but in adversity even a friend disappears.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. 12:8–18 Adversity distinguishes friends from enemies; to trust the latter or permit them intimacy is to invite disaster. Cf. note on 6:5–17.
'Sirach 12:8-9' not found for the version: New International Version.

Chapter 37

Every friend declares friendship,
    but there are friends who are friends in name only.(A)
Is it not a sorrow unto death
    when your other self becomes your enemy?
“Alas, my companion! Why were you created
    to fill the earth with deceit?”
A harmful friend will look to your table,
    but in time of trouble he stands aloof.
A good friend will fight with you against the foe,
    and against your enemies he will hold up your shield.

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'Sirach 37:1-5' not found for the version: New International Version.

Wealth adds many friends,
    but the poor are left friendless.(A)

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Wealth attracts many friends,
    but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.(A)

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