1. “Judgments in money matters (require) three judges. This party chooses for himself one, and the other party chooses for himself one. And both parties choose another.” The words of R. Meier. But the Sages say, “the two judges choose for themselves the other.” “This one may declare the judge of that one illegal. And that one may declare the judge of this one illegal.” The words of R. Meier. But the Sages say, “it is only when witness can be brought against them that they are related or unlawful.” “But if they be righteous or experienced, they must not be declared illegal.” “This one may declare illegal the witness of that one. And that one may declare illegal the witness of this one.” The words of R. Meier. But the Sages say, “it is only when witness can be brought against them that they are related or unlawful, but if they be righteous they must not be declared illegal.” 2. One said to the other, “I trust my father,” “I trust thy father,” “I trust three cowherds.” R. Meier said, “he may change his mind.” But the Sages say, “he must not change.” If he must give an oath to his companion, and he said to him, “vow to me by the life of thy head”? R. Meier said, “he may change his mind.” But the Sages say, “he must not change his mind.” 3. And these are illegal (as judges or witnesses), one who played at cards, or lent on usury, or bet on the flight of doves, or trades in the Sabbatical year. R. Simon said, “at first they were called gatherers on the Sabbatical year; when they were forced by Gentiles to cultivate the ground, they changed to call them traders on the Sabbatical year.” R. Judah said, “it is only when they have no other occupation but this one alone: but if they have another occupation, they are allowed.” 4. And these are related, his father and his brother, and the brethren of his father, and the brethren of his mother, and the husband of his sister, and the husband of his father’s sister, and the husband of his mother’s sister. And the husband of his mother and his father-in-law, and his brother-in-law, they, their children, and their sons-in-law, and his step-son alone. R. José said, “this was the teaching of R. Akiba; but the first teaching was, his uncle and the son of his uncle, and all suitable for inheritance, and everyone related to him at the present time.” “One was related and became estranged?” “He is lawful.” R. Judah said, “even if his daughter died, and he has children left by her, they are related.” 5. “Who is a friend? and who is an enemy?” “A friend is the bridegroom’s best man, an enemy is everyone who has not spoken with him three days in malice.” The Sages replied to him, “Israelites are not so suspicious.”