Trading is a best suggestion, but in lending I think you are pointing to interest earning, so it is not good as that amount is much lesser as if we invest that amount in trade or any other business then we will be able to earn some bigger amount of profit.
I agree,you should invest where you interest is and not because people told you that this is good and that. Remember you are the one creating demand for your goods, if it is your interest then you will know the deman of people who have the same interest with you. In that case, you can have lots of advantage on meeting their expectationl.