Sirach 37:1-6

Common English Bible

37 Every friend will say,
“I too have been a friend,”
    but there’s a friend who is one
    in name only.
² Doesn’t the pain bring a person
close to death
    when a companion and friend
    turns into an enemy?
³ Evil inclination,
how did you get involved
    in covering the land with deceit?
⁴ Some companions take delight
in a friend’s happiness,
    but they turn against them
    in a time of distress.
⁵ Some companions work alongside
a friend for their stomach’s sake,
    but in the heat of battle,
    they will shield themselves.^[a]
6 Don’t forget friends in your heart,
    and don’t neglect them
    when it comes to your money.^[b]