Ben Sira 8:13

13 Do not give surety beyond your means, but if you give surety, be concerned as one who must pay.

Ben Sira 8:13 In-Context

11 Do not get up and leave an insolent fellow, lest he lie in ambush against your words.
12 Do not lend to a man who is stronger than you; but if you do lend anything, be as one who has lost it.
13 Do not give surety beyond your means, but if you give surety, be concerned as one who must pay.
14 Do not go to law against a judge, for the decision will favor him because of his standing.
15 Do not travel on the road with a foolhardy fellow, lest he be burdensome to you; for he will act as he pleases, and through his folly you will perish with him.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.