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.
10
It is better to lose your money by helping a relative or a friend than to lose it by letting it rust away under a rock somewhere.
11
Use your wealth as the Most High has commanded; this will do you more good than keeping your money for yourself.
12
Count among your treasures the fact that you give to the poor. It will save you from all kinds of trouble
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.