I would consider selling things that I don't need, or that are not very important for me in my daily life. Then I would use part of the earned money to invest in something with potential to give me profit.
Yes its a wise idea than to borrow money to someone with interest. i would also sell the things that is not really important, but to prevent that scenario its better to start saving so you will have money to spend incase you badly need it.
I think if we can generate the habit of saving on regular basis then we will never face such tough situation when we need to spend some things or borrow it from people around us.