Sirach 6:5-13
Revised Standard Version
Friendship, False and True
5 A pleasant voice multiplies friends,
and a gracious tongue multiplies courtesies.
6 Let those that are at peace with you be many,
but let your advisers be one in a thousand.
7 When you gain a friend, gain him through testing,
and do not trust him hastily.
8 For there is a friend who is such at his own convenience,
but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.
9 And there is a friend who changes into an enemy,
and will disclose a quarrel to your disgrace.
10 And there is a friend who is a table companion,
but will not stand by you in your day of trouble.
11 In your prosperity he will make himself your equal,
and be bold with your servants;
12 but if you are brought low he will turn against you,
and will hide himself from your presence.
13 Keep yourself far from your enemies,
and be on guard toward your friends.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.