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On Lending and Borrowing

29The merciful lend to their neighbours;
   by holding out a helping hand they keep the commandments.
² Lend to your neighbour in his time of need;
   repay your neighbour when a loan falls due.
³ Keep your promise and be honest with him,
   and on every occasion you will find what you need.
⁴ Many regard a loan as a windfall,
   and cause trouble to those who help them.
⁵ One kisses another’s hands until he gets a loan,
   and is deferential in speaking of his neighbour’s money;
but at the time for repayment he delays,
   and pays back with empty promises,
   and finds fault with the time.
⁶ If he can pay, his creditor^* will hardly get back half,
   and will regard that as a windfall.
If he cannot pay, the borrower^* has robbed the other of his money,
   and he has needlessly made him an enemy;
he will repay him with curses and reproaches,
   and instead of glory will repay him with dishonour.
⁷ Many refuse to lend, not because of meanness,
   but from fear^* of being defrauded needlessly.

⁸ Nevertheless, be patient with someone in humble circumstances,
   and do not keep him waiting for your alms.
⁹ Help the poor for the commandment’s sake,
   and in their need do not send them away empty-handed.
¹⁰ Lose your silver for the sake of a brother or a friend,
   and do not let it rust under a stone and be lost.
¹¹ Lay up your treasure according to the commandments of the Most High,
   and it will profit you more than gold.
¹² Store up almsgiving in your treasury,
   and it will rescue you from every disaster;
¹³ better than a stout shield and a sturdy spear,
   it will fight for you against the enemy.