Sirach 37:1-6

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

37 Every friend says, “I, too, am a friend,”
    but some friends are friends only in name.^(A)
2 Does not sorrow draw near to death
    when a companion and friend^[a] turns into an enemy?^(B)
3 O inclination to evil, why were you formed
    to cover the land with deceit?
⁴ Some companions rejoice in the happiness of friends,
    but in time of trouble they are against them.^(C)
5 Some companions help a friend for their stomachs’ sake,
    yet in battle they will carry his shield.^(D)
6 Do not forget friends during the battle,^[b]
    and do not be unmindful of them when you distribute your spoils.^[c](E)