13
and will be a better defense against your enemies than the strongest shield or stoutest spear.
14
A good man is willing to guarantee his neighbor's debts. Only someone who has lost all sense of decency would refuse to do so.
15
If someone does this favor for you, don't forget it; he has risked his good name for you.
16
There are some ungrateful sinners who abandon those who stand behind them, and they cause them loss of property.
17
Guaranteeing loans has ruined many prosperous people and caused them unsettling storms of trouble.
18
Influential people have lost their homes over it and have had to go wandering in foreign countries.
19
A sinner who hopes to make a profit by guaranteeing a loan is going to find himself involved in lawsuits.
20
So help your neighbor as much as you can, but protect yourself against the dangers involved.
21
The necessities of life are water, food, clothing, and a home where you can have privacy.
22
It is better to be poor and live under your own crude roof than to enjoy lavish banquets in other people's homes.
23
Be happy with what you have, even if it isn't very much, and don't listen to anyone who would insult your home and family.