World English Bible

Sirach 13:1-7 World English Bible (WEB)

1. He that touches pitch shall be defiled; And he that has fellowship with a proud man shall become like to him.

2. Take not up a burden above your strength; And have no fellowship with one that is mightier and richer than yourself. What fellowship shall the earthen pot have with the kettle? This shall strike, and that shall be dashed in pieces.

3. The rich man does a wrong, and he threatens withal: The poor is wronged, and he shall entreat withal.

4. If you be profitable, he will make merchandise of you; And if you be in lack, he will forsake you.

5. If you have substance, he will live with you; And he will make you bare, and will not be sorry.

6. Hath he had need of you? then he will deceive you, And smile upon you, and give you hope: He will speak you fair, and say, What need you?

7. And he will shame you by his meats, Until he have made you bare twice or thrice, And at the last he will laugh you to scorn: Afterward will he see you, and will forsake you, And shake his head at you.