proverb · Words worth keeping
Do not drive away a debtor; he will become hostile towards you.
Do not drive away a debtor; he will become hostile towards you.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A debtor driven away and becoming hostile links rejection with a possible change in a strained relationship. The saying asks how an obligation is handled socially.
Example
Someone communicates a boundary respectfully instead of assuming an unpaid obligation proves hostility.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A responsible interpretation does not predict every debtor’s reaction or require an unsafe relationship to continue. Fair terms, dignity and boundaries matter. The line supplies no collection method, legal duty or financial strategy; an actual concern should be examined rather than inferred from owing money.
When to use it
Use it to discuss respectful handling of obligations without a collection rule.
Keep in mind
No guaranteed hostility or duty to maintain harmful contact is established.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- Babylon/Iraq