6. If they can repay, their creditorswill barely recover half the amount,and the creditors will considerthat much a windfall;but if they can’t pay,they have defrauded their creditorsof their money,and they have made enemiesout of them needlessly.They will repay their creditorswith curses and insults,and they will repay them with dishonorrather than glory.
7. Many have refused to make a loan,not because they were viciousbut because they were cautiousabout being needlessly cheated.
8. Even so, be patient with thosein humble circumstances,and don’t make them wait for assistance.
9. Help the needy for thecommandment’s sake,and in proportion to their needdon’t turn them away empty-handed.
10. Part with silver for a relative’sor friend’s sake,and don’t let it corrode under a stoneand be destroyed.
11. Invest your treasureaccording to the commandmentsof the Most High,and it will profit you more than gold.
12. Store up acts of charity in your treasuries,and it will deliver youfrom every distress.
13. More than a sturdy shieldand more than a hefty spear,it will fight for you against an enemy.
14. Good people will guarantee a loanfor neighbors,and those who have lost anysense of shame will abandon them.
15. Don’t forget the kindness of thosewho have guaranteed a loan,since they gave their lifeon your behalf.
16. Sinners will ruintheir guarantor’s property,
17. and ungrateful personsintentionally abandon their rescuers.