It was during one of my years in high school English. The more specific subject area was Literature, and we were expected to memorize. I know that it is from Shakespeare, and I am not even going to Google this for accuracy or a citation:

“Neither a borrower nor a lender be, for loan oft loses both self and friend
and borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.”

That’s what I remember, and when I tend to forget this piece of sage advice as I am living my life in the adult world, an echo of the same sentiment comes along in the biblical book of Proverbs:

To guarantee loans for a stranger brings trouble,
but there is safety in refusing to do so. Proverbs 11:15

Proverbs applies this concept to strangers, while Shakespeare hinted that getting involved in borrowing and lending can sometimes turn friends and maybe family into strangers. I guess there is some wisdom here about being careful in how we approach financial relationships with lending and borrowing. (But there is no prohibition here against the good old fashioned generosity of giving.)

Prayer

God, Jesus reminded us that where our treasure is, our heart would soon follow. Help me to keep my mind and my money focused on doing Your will, as I try to be a true child of Yours, in Jesus’ name. Amen.