Sirach 13:1–13

He that toucheth pitch, shall be defiled with it: and he that hath fellowship with the proud, shall put on pride. 2He shall take a burden upon him that hath fellowship with one more honourable than himself. And have no fellowship with one that is richer than thyself. 3What agreement shall the earthen pot have with the kettle? for if they knock one against the other, it shall be broken. 4The rich man hath done wrong, and yet he will fume: but the poor is wronged and must hold his peace. 5If thou give, he will make use of thee: and if thou have nothing, he will forsake thee. 6If thou have any thing, he will live with thee, and will make thee bare, and he will not be sorry for thee. 7If he have need of thee he will deceive thee, and smiling upon thee will put thee in hope; he will speak thee fair, and will say: What wantest thou? 8And he will shame thee by his meats, till he have drawn thee dry twice or thrice, and at last he will laugh at thee: and afterward when he seeth thee, he will forsake thee, and shake his head at thee. 9Humble thyself to God, and wait for his hands. 10Beware that thou be not deceived into folly, and be humbled. 11Be not lowly in thy wisdom, lest being humbled thou be deceived into folly. 12If thou be invited by one that is mightier, withdraw thyself: for so he will invite thee the more. 13Be not troublesome to him, lest thou be put back: and keep not far from him, lest thou be forgotten.