There are also objectionable and blameworthy reasons for refusing gifts. These include refusing for show, in imitation of someone whose aim is independence, dignity, and compassion for people in their religious and worldly affairs. Another is arrogance toward them and a desire for superiority, using this refusal to subjugate them and place oneself above them. This too is blameworthy. Another is stinginess toward them: if he accepts from them, he will need to benefit them and attend to their needs, so he may refrain from accepting because he begrudges them those benefits. Another is laziness about doing good to them. These, then, are four corrupt motives for refusing gifts: arrogance, ostentation, stinginess, and laziness.

In sum, a person may decline to accept money in order to secure a benefit for himself, ward off harm from himself, secure a benefit for others, or ward off harm from them. Refraining from accepting it preserves his independence and dignity, which benefit him, and safeguards his religious and worldly affairs from the various harms that may result from accepting it. It also benefits others by preserving their wealth and religion, and by averting the harm they may incur through giving something that could be detrimental to them.

He may, however, refuse it in order to harm others or withhold benefit from them. This is blameworthy, as explained above. Refusing may also harm him or deprive him of a benefit: he may need the money, so that refusing it harms him; or accepting and spending it may benefit him in his religious and worldly affairs, yet he forgoes that benefit without any countervailing consideration of equal weight.

This is why we have discussed this matter in detail, for it is a matter of great importance. Corresponding to it is the question of accepting gifts, which likewise requires a detailed treatment. As a rule, however, refraining from accepting has been better than accepting, and this is why people hold such conduct in greater esteem. Yet when accepting is proper, it is better—by which I mean accepting and distributing to people.