Some companions rejoice in the happiness of a friend: In the happiness of a friend means “when a friend is happy.” Good News Translation words this line (and the next one) in the second person to good effect. Contemporary English Version is similar with “Some friends are happy for you when everything is fine.”

But in time of trouble are against him may be rendered “but they will turn against you when trouble comes” (Good News Translation) or even “but when you have trouble they turn against you” (Contemporary English Version).

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.