--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not…" description: "\"If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not As to thy friends; for when did friendship take A breed for barren metal of his friend?\" — William Shakespeare" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/906/william-shakespeare-4_barren_if-thou-wilt-lend-this-money-lend-it-not_190851.jpg" --- # If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not As to thy… ![“If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not As to thy friends; for when did friendship take A breed for barren metal of his friend?” quote by William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/906/william-shakespeare-4_barren_if-thou-wilt-lend-this-money-lend-it-not_190851.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/906/william-shakespeare-4_barren_if-thou-wilt-lend-this-money-lend-it-not_190851.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/906/william-shakespeare-4_barren_if-thou-wilt-lend-this-money-lend-it-not_190851.jpg) > “If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not As to thy friends; for when did friendship take A breed for barren metal of his friend?” [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Money should not be given to friends because it can corrupt the friendship itself. **In simple terms:** Lending money to friends can ruin friendship. Key Takeaway Offer help, not cash. Themes friendship money trust Mood thoughtful cautious Type ethical philosophical When to use this quote - loaning money - financial advice - maintaining friendships Key Concepts social contract ethical dilemmas Questions to Reflect On - When is it appropriate to lend money to a friend? - How can you protect friendship while offering support? 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