10 Never trust your enemy, for his wickedness is like corrosion in copper. (WEB) 11 Though he humbles himself and walks bowed down, still be careful and beware of him. You will be to him as one who has wiped a mirror, to be sure it doesn’t completely tarnish. (WEB) 12 Don’t set him next to you, lest he overthrow you and stand in your place. Don’t let him sit on your right hand, lest he seek to take your seat, and at the last you acknowledge my words, and be pricked with my sayings. (WEB)
Sirach 12:10–12
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 11:32–34
32 From a spark of fire, a heap of many coals is kindled, and a sinful man lies in wait to shed blood. (WEB) 33 Take heed of an evil-doer, for he plans wicked things, lest perhaps he ruin your reputation forever. (WEB) 34 Receive a stranger into your house, and he will distract you… (WEB)
Sirach 8:10–12
10 Don’t kindle the coals of a sinner, lest you be burned with the flame of his fire. (WEB) 11 Don’t rise up from the presence of an insolent man, lest he lie in wait as an ambush for your mouth. (WEB) 12 Don’t lend to a man who is stronger than you; and if you lend, count it as a… (WEB)
Sirach 13:10–12
10 Don’t press him, lest you be thrust back. Don’t stand far off, lest you be forgotten. (WEB) 11 Don’t try to speak with him as an equal, and don’t believe his many words; for he will test you with much talk, and will examine you in a smiling manner. (WEB) 12 He who doesn’t keep s… (WEB)
Proverbs 26:24–26
24 A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. 25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. 26 Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembl…
Sirach 37:9–11
9 and say to you, “Your way is good.” Then he will stand near you, to see what will happen to you. (WEB) 10 Don’t take counsel with one who looks askance at you. Hide your counsel from those who are jealous of you. (WEB) 11 Don’t consult with a woman about her rival, with a coward… (WEB)
Sirach 12:16–18
16 The enemy will speak sweetly with his lips, and in his heart plan to throw you into a pit. The enemy may weep with his eyes, but if he finds opportunity, he will want more blood. (WEB) 17 If adversity meets you, you will find him there before you. Pretending to help yo… (WEB)
Sirach 8:18–19
18 Do no secret thing before a stranger, for you don’t know what it will cause. (WEB) 19 Don’t open your heart to every man. Don’t let him return you a favor. (WEB)
Sirach 27:22–24
22 One who winks the eye contrives evil things; and those who know him will keep their distance. (WEB) 23 When you are present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire your words; but afterward he will twist his speech and set a trap in your words. (WEB) 24 I have hated many things,… (WEB)
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