6. If he can pay, the lender will recover barely half,and will consider that a windfall.If he cannot pay, the lender is cheated of his moneyand acquires an enemy at no extra charge;With curses and insults the borrower will repay,and instead of honor will repay with abuse.
7. Many refuse to lend, not out of meanness,but from fear of being cheated needlessly.
8. But with those in humble circumstances be patient;do not keep them waiting for your alms.
9. Because of the commandment, help the poor,and in their need, do not send them away empty-handed.
10. Lose your money for relative or friend;do not hide it under a stone to rot.
11. Dispose of your treasure according to the commandments of the Most High,and that will profit you more than the gold.
12. Store up almsgiving in your treasury,and it will save you from every evil.
13. Better than a mighty shield and a sturdy spearit will fight for you against the enemy.
14. A good person will be surety for a neighbor,but whoever has lost a sense of shame will fail him.
15. Do not forget the kindness of your backer,for he has given his very life for you.
16. A sinner will turn the favor of a pledge into misfortune,
17. and the ungrateful will abandon his rescuer.
18. Going surety has ruined many who were prosperousand tossed them about like waves of the sea;It has exiled the prominentand sent them wandering through foreign lands.
19. The sinner will come to grief through surety,and whoever undertakes too much will fall into lawsuits.
20. Help your neighbor according to your means,but take care lest you fall yourself.
21. Life’s prime needs are water, bread, and clothing,and also a house for decent privacy.
22. Better is the life of the poor under the shadow of their own roofthan sumptuous banquets among strangers.
23. Whether little or much, be content with what you have:then you will hear no reproach as a parasite.