Ben Sira 8:12

12 You should not lend anything to someone more powerful than you. If you do, you might as well consider it lost.

Ben Sira 8:12 In-Context

10 You should not provide a sinner with more opportunity to sin. You might get hurt yourself; it's as easy as getting burned while adding logs to a fire.
11 You should not get up and walk out on someone who is insolent. He might twist your words and use them against you.
12 You should not lend anything to someone more powerful than you. If you do, you might as well consider it lost.
13 You should not guarantee anyone else's loan to an extent that you cannot afford. You must be prepared to pay any such guarantee.
14 You should not bring a lawsuit against a judge. He will win because of his position.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.