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.
14
A good person will be surety for his neighbor, but the one who has lost all sense of shame will fail him.
15
Do not forget the kindness of your guarantor, for he has given his life for you.
16
A sinner wastes the property of his guarantor,
17
and the ungrateful person abandons his rescuer.