Sirach 22:23-25

Common English Bible

²³ Gain your neighbors’ trust
while they are poor,
    so that when they are prosperous,
    you will be filled along with them.
    In a time of distress remain with them
    so that when they inherit,
    you will be a joint heir.^[a]
24 Before there’s a fire,
a furnace has vapor and smoke;
    so before bloodshed there are insults.
²⁵ I won’t be ashamed to shelter friends,
    and I won’t hide from them.