And there is a friend who changes into an enemy: This is the second type of false friend (Good News Translation “Others,” Contemporary English Version “other friends”). This is one who goes further than letting you down; this one turns actively against you, becomes an enemy. Good News Translation says “Others will fall out with you [become hostile to you] over some argument.” Contemporary English Version also includes the idea of “argument” by saying “If you argue with other friends, they will become enemies.” The idea of “argument” is derived from the second line where the word quarrel occurs.

And will disclose a quarrel to your disgrace: Disclose means “letting everyone know about it” (Good News Translation). To your disgrace is better rendered “embarrass you” (Good News Translation) or “to your dismay” (New Jerusalem Bible). That two people have had a disagreement is not necessarily a cause for disgrace—it happens all the time—but it will prove embarrassing, especially to the person more highly regarded.

An alternative model for this verse is:

• If you argue with other friends, they will become enemies [or, hate you], and tell other people about the argument to embarrass you [or, make you lose face].

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Sirach. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.