Sirach 7:4-6

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition

⁴ Seek not of the Lord a pre-eminence, nor of the king the seat of honour.

⁵ Justify not thyself before God, for he knoweth the heart: and desire not to appear wise before the king.

⁶ Seek not to be made a judge, unless thou have strength enough to extirpate iniquities: lest thou fear the person of the powerful, and lay a stumblingblock for thy integrity.