1,175. Lending to the Wealthy

179:2 Even if a wealthy person needs a loan, it is a mitzvah to lend to him. It is likewise a mitzvah to make him feel good through kind words and to give him appropriate forms of advice.

179:3 It is prohibited to lend money without witnesses unless the loan is made against some form of collateral. This is true even if the borrower is a Torah scholar, whose honesty is beyond reproach. The best procedure is to make the loan with a promissory note.