Ben Sira 27:15-20 New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)

15. The wrangling of the proud ends in bloodshed,and their cursing is painful to hear.

16. Whoever betrays a secret destroys confidence,and will never find a congenial friend.

17. Cherish your friend, keep faith with him;but if you betray his secrets, do not go after him;

18. For as one might kill another,you have killed your neighbor’s friendship.

19. Like a bird released from your hand,you have let your friend go and cannot recapture him.

20. Do not go after him, for he is far away,and has escaped like a gazelle from a snare.

Ben Sira 27