Sirach
As found in the Greek Septuagint
GNB
Chapter 12
Be Careful in Choosing Friends (continued from chapter 11)
Sirach 12:1 When you do a good deed, make sure you know who is benefiting from it; then what you do will not be wasted.
Sirach 12:2 You will be repaid for any kindness you show to a devout person. If he doesn't repay you, the Most High will.
Sirach 12:3 No good ever comes to a person who gives comfort to the wicked; it is not a righteous act.
Sirach 12:4 Give to religious people, but don't help sinners.
Sirach 12:5 Do good to humble people, but don't give anything to those who are not devout. Don't give them food, or they will use your kindness against you. Every good thing you do for such people will bring you twice as much trouble in return.
Sirach 12:6 The Most High himself hates sinners, and he will punish them.
Sirach 12:7 Give to good people, but do not help sinners.
Sirach 12:8 When things are going well, it is hard to tell who your real friends are, but in hard times you can recognize your enemies;
Sirach 12:9 even your friends will leave you then. But when you are successful, your enemies will act like friends.
Sirach 12:10 Never trust an enemy; his wickedness is as destructive as rust.
Sirach 12:11 Watch out, and be on guard against him, even if he acts ever so humble. He is like a metal mirror that rusts away if you don't keep it polished.
Sirach 12:12 Seat any enemy at your right hand, and the next thing you know he'll be trying to get your own place of honor. Put him next to you, and he will overthrow you. Then you will realize the truth of my words, and be stung with regret when you remember them.
Sirach 12:13 Nobody feels sorry for snake charmers or wild animal tamers who get bitten,
Sirach 12:14 and nobody will feel sorry for you if you run around with sinners and get involved in their wrong doing.
Sirach 12:15 An enemy will stay with you for a while, but not when trouble comes.
Sirach 12:16 He will speak fine words while he plots how to trap you. He will pretend to share your sorrows, but he will kill you if he gets a chance.
Sirach 12:17 If trouble comes your way, you will find him waiting, ready to trip you up while he pretends to help you.
Sirach 12:18 He will be a different person then, rubbing his hands, nodding his head, and spreading rumors about you.