5
Some people will speak politely, bow, and scrape until they get the loan they want, but when the time comes to pay it back, they'll put it off, say that it's inconvenient, and make a lot of worthless excuses.
6
If the lender insists on being paid, he can count himself lucky to get back half. If he doesn't insist, the borrower has robbed him and made an unnecessary enemy. All the lender will get from him are curses, insults, and disrespect, but never any gratitude.
7
Many people refuse to lend at all, not because they are stingy, but because they don't want to be cheated if they can avoid it.
8
Nevertheless, be understanding with those who are poor. Don't keep them waiting for your generosity.
9
The Lord has commanded us to help the poor; don't refuse them the help they need.
Footnotes 1
[a].
not because . . . stingy, but because; [some manuscripts have] therefore, because of this wickedness.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.