“Should thy sister’s husband come to me and ask to borrow fifty pieces of gold I should ask him for what purpose he would use it?
If he answered that he desired to become a merchant like myself and deal in jewels and rich furnishings, I would say, ‘What knowledge have you of the ways of trade? Do you know where you can buy at lowest cost? Do you know where you can sell at a fair price?’ Could he say yes to these questions?”
“No, he could not,” Rodan admitted. “He has helped me much in making spears and he has helped some in the shops.”
“Then would I say to him that his purpose was not wise. Merchants must learn their trade. His ambition, though worthy, is not practical and I would not loan him the money.
But supposing he could say ‘yes, I have helped merchants much. I know how to travel to Smyrna and to buy at low cost the rugs the housewives weave. I also know many of the rich people of Babylon to whom I can sell these at a large profit.’ Then I would say: ‘Your purpose is wise and your ambition honorable. I shall be glad to loan you the fifty pieces of gold if you can give me security that they will be returned.’ But would he say, ‘I have no security other than that I am an honored man and will pay you well for the loan.’ Then would I reply, ‘I treasure much each piece of gold. Were the robbers to take it from you as you journeyed to Smyrna or take the rugs from you as you returned, then you would have no means of repaying me and my gold would be gone.
Gold, you see Rodan, is the merchandise of the lender of money. It is easy to loan. If it is loaned unwisely then it is difficult to get back. The wise lender wishes not the risk of the undertaking but the guarantee of safe repayment.
—29—
