Sirach 8:13
King James VersionSource notes
“Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it.”
Context
10Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire.
11Rise not up in anger at the presence of an injurious person, lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words
12Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou lendest him, count it but lost.
13Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it.
14Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him according to his honour.
15Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become grievous unto thee: for he will do according to his own will, and thou shalt perish with him through his folly.
16Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help, he will overthrow thee.