Sirach 22:19-22

Good News Translation

Friendship

¹⁹ If you stick something in your eye, tears will flow; and if you hurt a person deeply, you will discover his true feelings. ²⁰ If you throw rocks at birds, you will scare them away; and if you insult a friend, you will break up the friendship. ^21-22 Even if you have a violent argument with a friend, and speak sharply, all is not lost. You can still make up with him. But any friend will leave you if you insult him, if you are arrogant, if you reveal his secrets, or if you turn on him unexpectedly.