Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach 12:11-19 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

11. And if he humbles himself and goes about bowed down, increase your alertness and guard yourself from him.

12. You should not sit down anywhere near him, nor should you allow him to sit at your right hand, lest perhaps he may turn toward your place, and seek your seat, and then, in the very end, you would understand my words and be stung by my sermon.

13. Who will take pity on an enchanter struck by a serpent, or on someone who draws near to wild beasts? And so it is with one who keeps company with an iniquitous man and is involved in his sins.

14. For one hour, he will abide with you. But if you begin to turn aside, he will not permit it.

15. An enemy speaks sweetly with his lips, but in his heart, he waits in ambush, so that he may throw you into a pit.

16. An enemy has tears in his eyes. But if he finds an opportunity, he will not be satisfied with blood.

17. And if misfortunes happen upon you, you will find him there first.

18. An enemy has tears in his eyes, but while pretending to help you, he will dig under your feet.

19. He will shake his head, and clap his hands, and whisper much, and change his expression.

Read complete chapter Sirach 12