Sirach 13

1 Whoever touches tar will be stained by it, and whoever associates with a proud person will become like him. 2 Do not lift a burden beyond your strength or associate with someone stronger and richer than you. What fellowship does a clay pot have with a bronze kettle? When they strike each other, the clay pot breaks. 3 A rich person does wrong and adds threats; a poor person is wronged and still has to plead. 4 If you are useful to him, he will make use of you; if you are in need, he will abandon you. 5 If you have something, he will live with you and empty you out without suffering himself.

6 When he needs you, he will mislead you, smile at you, and give you hope. He will speak pleasantly and ask, “What do you need?” 7 He will shame you with his food until he has emptied you two or three times, and in the end he will mock you. Afterward he will see you, abandon you, and shake his head at you. 8 Be careful not to be misled or brought low through your own foolishness. 9 When a powerful person invites you, hold back, and he will invite you all the more. 10 Do not push forward, or you may be shoved away; do not stand too far off, or you may be forgotten.

11 Do not presume to speak with him as an equal, and do not trust his many words. Through long conversation he will test you, and while smiling he will examine you. 12 A merciless person does not keep his word; he will not spare you harm or imprisonment. 13 Watch and be extremely careful, because you are walking with your own downfall. 14 Love the Lord all your life, and call on him for rescue. [a] 15 Every animal loves what is like itself, and every person loves his neighbor.

16 All flesh gathers with its own kind, and a person holds fast to someone like himself. 17 What fellowship does a wolf have with a lamb? The same fellowship a sinner has with a devout person. 18 What peace is there between a hyena and a dog? What peace is there between the rich and the poor? 19 Wild donkeys are prey for lions in the wilderness; in the same way, poor people are pasture for the rich. 20 Humility is detestable to the proud; in the same way, a poor person is detestable to the rich.

21 When a rich person begins to fall, friends support him; when a humble person falls, even friends push him away. 22 When a rich person stumbles, he has many helpers. He says things that should not be said, yet people vindicate him. A humble person stumbles, and they rebuke him further. He speaks with understanding, and no one gives him room. 23 When a rich person speaks, everyone becomes silent and lifts his word to the clouds. When a poor person speaks, they ask, “Who is this?” If he stumbles, they help knock him down. 24 Wealth is good for someone without sin, but poverty is evil in the mouth of the ungodly. 25 A person’s heart changes his face, whether toward good or evil.

26 A cheerful face is evidence of a heart experiencing good things, but discovering proverbs requires strenuous thought.