Do not go to law against a judge, for the decision will favor him because of his standing: This is a bit like advising someone not to get into a boxing match with a world champion. People in the author’s society must have had some kind of hope for a fair judgment in a court of law, or it would never have occurred to anyone to “bring a lawsuit against a judge” (Good News Translation). Ben Sira is somewhat cynical about what the result would be. Bring such a suit, and you will lose. Your opponent has connections, influence; standing could be translated “reputation.” “He will win because of his position” (Good News Translation).

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Sirach. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.