Trust and distrust

Meaning

Trust is discriminating rather than indiscriminate. The introductory verse warns against gold-makers who drain purses and chests, then urges following upright, devout, plain people who know their craft without boasting. The conclusion sharpens the test against teachers who seek money or plead inability to meet great costs. English “do not trust them” preserves the direct prohibition in that specified situation, not a command to reject every teacher. The contrast makes character and manner of transmission central to credibility. It remains the author’s criterion, not an independently conclusive method of establishing whether a claimant truly possesses the art.