15. Be with it. This implies that the owner was not merely present but in charge of it, or so near he could have prevented the damage. Borrowers should remember that if they fail to restore what they have borrowed: (1) They injure themselves, for reputation and self-respect both suffer. (2) They fail in their duty to the lender, since they are under special obligation to him. (3) They wrong mankind in general, since their carelessness restrains men from lending to others what may be urgently needed. (4) They fail in their duty to God, who regards as “wicked” those who borrow but restore not (Ps. 37:21).
An hired thing. Where an amount was paid for the privilege of using an animal or article, it was hired rather than borrowed. In that case the owner was considered to have reckoned on the risk of loss or damage in fixing the amount of the hire, and so was not entitled to any compensation.