“If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest.

There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business!

“‘Tarshish did business with you because of your great wealth of goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin and lead for your merchandise.

“‘Greece, Tubal and Meshek did business with you; they traded human beings and articles of bronze for your wares.

“‘Aram did business with you because of your many products; they exchanged turquoise, purple fabric, embroidered work, fine linen, coral and rubies for your merchandise.

“‘Damascus did business with you because of your many products and great wealth of goods. They offered wine from Helbon, wool from Zahar

“‘Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers; they did business with you in lambs, rams and goats.

I, Daniel, was worn out. I lay exhausted for several days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding.

Before that time there were no wages for people or hire for animals. No one could go about their business safely because of their enemies, since I had turned everyone against their neighbor.