Sirach 12:9-11

Common English Bible

⁹ When people are prosperous,
their enemies are in pain,
    and when they meet with adversity,
    even friends will keep away.
¹⁰ Don’t ever trust your enemies;
    for just as copper corrodes,
    so their wickedness does as well.
¹¹ If they are humbled
and walk away stooped over,
    look after yourself,
    and keep up your guard against them.
        You will be to them
        as one who polishes a mirror,
        and you will know that it won’t be completely tarnished.