Sirach 12

1If you do a kindness, know to whom you do it,

and you will be thanked for your good deeds.

2Do good to a godly man, and you will be repaid-

if not by him, certainly by the Most High.

3No good will come to the man who persists in evil

or to him who does not give alms.

4Give to the godly man, but do not help the sinner.

5Do good to the humble, but do not give to the ungodly;

hold back his bread, and do not give it to him,

lest by means of it he subdue you;

for you will receive twice as much evil

for all the good which you do to him.

6For the Most High also hates sinners

and will inflict punishment on the ungodly.a

7Give to the good man, but do not help the sinner.

8A friend will not be knownb in prosperity,

nor will an enemy be hidden in adversity.

9A man's enemies are grieved when he prospers,

and in his adversity even his friend will separate from him.

10Never trust your enemy,

for like the rusting of copper, so is his wickedness.

11Even if he humbles himself and goes about cringing,

watch yourself, and be on your guard against him;

and you will be to him like one who has polished a mirror,

and you will know that it was not hopelessly tarnished.

12Do not put him next to you,

lest he overthrow you and take your place;

do not have him sit at your right,

lest he try to take your seat of honor,

and at last you will realize the truth of my words,

and be stung by what I have said.

13Who will pity a snake charmer bitten by a serpent,

or any who go near wild beasts?

14So no one will pity a man who associates with a sinner

and becomes involved in his sins.

15He will stay with you for a time,

but if you falter, he will not stand by you.

16An enemy will speak sweetly with his lips,

but in his mind he will plan to throw you into a pit;

an enemy will weep with his eyes,

but if he finds an opportunity his thirst for blood will be insatiable.

17If calamity befalls you, you will find him there ahead of you;

and while pretending to help you, he will trip you by the heel;

18he will shake his head, and clap his hands,

and whisper much, and change his expression.