Sirach 12:12-14

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

¹²Do not put him next to you,
    or he may overthrow you and take your place.
Do not let him sit at your right hand,
    or else he may try to take your own seat,
and at last you will acknowledge my words
    and be stung by what I have said.

¹³Who pities a snake charmer when he is bitten
or all those who go near wild animals?^(A)
¹⁴So no one pities people who associate with sinners
and become involved in their sins.^(B)