Ben Sira 7:5

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

Ben Sira 7:5 In-Context

3 My son, sow not evils in the furrows of injustice, and thou shalt not reap them sevenfold.

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.

7 Offend not against the multitude of a city, neither cast thyself in upon the people,