Ben Sira 12:16-18
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
16 With their lips enemies speak sweetly,
but in their heart they scheme to plunge you into the abyss.
Though enemies have tears in their eyes,
given the chance, they will never have enough of your blood.(A)
17 If evil comes upon you, you will find them at hand;
pretending to help, they will trip you up,
18 Then they will shake their heads and clap their hands
and hiss repeatedly, and show their true faces.
Sirach 12:16-18
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
16 An enemy speaks sweetly with his lips,
but in his heart he plans to throw you into a pit;
an enemy may have tears in his eyes,
but if he finds an opportunity he will never have enough of your blood.
17 If evil comes upon you, you will find him there ahead of you;
pretending to help, he will trip you up.
18 Then he will shake his head, and clap his hands,
and whisper much, and show his true face.
Sirach 12:16-18
Good News Translation
16 He will speak fine words while he plots how to trap you. He will pretend to share your sorrows, but he will kill you if he gets a chance. 17 If trouble comes your way, you will find him waiting, ready to trip you up while he pretends to help you. 18 He will be a different person then, rubbing his hands, nodding his head, and spreading rumors about you.
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