«صَبْرِي عَلَى نَفْسِي وَلَا صَبْرِ النَّاسْ عَلَيَّ»

The speaker would rather put up with scarcity and manage on limited means than borrow, fall behind on repayment, and leave lenders waiting. Enduring one's own hardship is presented as more dignified than becoming a burden whose delays others must tolerate. The patience meant concerns debt and repayment, not self-restraint in general.

An extended version, not present in every use and also heard as a separate saying, adds that living comfortably on borrowed funds is a false ease: the money is counted and will be demanded back sooner or later, so the apparent relief actually tightens one's situation rather than loosening it.

Fits conversations about whether to take a loan or buy on credit, especially when someone prefers tightening their belt to owing others. It can justify a frugal choice or gently warn a friend against borrowing they may struggle to repay on time.