Sirach 6:7
King James VersionSource notes
“If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.”
Context
4A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.
5Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings.
6Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.
7If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.
8For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the day of thy trouble.
9And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife will discover thy reproach.
10Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of thy affliction.