Sirach 8:12-14

Common English Bible

¹² Don’t lend to people
who are more powerful than you,
    but if you do lend,
    treat it as though it were lost.
¹³ Don’t guarantee a loan
beyond your ability,
    and if you do guarantee one,
    consider that you will need to pay.

¹⁴ Don’t go to court with a judge;
    people will judge him
    according to his prestige.