Sirach 29
Lending to a neighbor in need is a form of showing mercy and keeping the commandments, but many have been defrauded by those they helped. Some people refuse to lend due to fear of being cheated, but one should be more steadfast in helping the humble and not delay in acts of mercy. A good person offers credit to their neighbor, and kindness to the poor will bring greater rewards than gold. However, a wicked promise can destroy those with good intentions and lead to judgment. It is also important to prioritize one's own needs and not overextend oneself in helping others.
1He shows mercy who lends to his neighbor, for he keeps the commandments by strengthening him2Lend to your neighbor in his time of need, and receive it again from your neighbor in his time3Keep your word, and act faithfully with him, and then you will find whatever you need in every time4Many have treated a loan like found money, and they offered trouble to those who helped them5Until they receive, they kiss the hands of the giver, and they humble their voice in promises6But at the time of repayment, they will ask for more time, and they will speak annoying and complaining words, and they will make excuses for the time7Then, if he is able to repay, he will turn away. He will pay barely one half, and he will consider it as if he had found it8But if not, then he will defraud him of his money, and he will have him as an enemy without cause9And he will repay him with accusations and curses, and he will repay him with contempt, instead of with honor and kindness10Many have refused to lend, not because of wickedness, but because they were afraid to be defrauded without cause11Yet truly, be more steadfast toward the humble, and you should not delay in acts of mercy toward them12Assist the poor because of the commandment. And you should not send him away empty because of his dire need13Lose your money to your brother and your friend. For you should not hide it under a stone to be lost14Let your treasure be in the precepts of the Most High, and it will benefit you more than gold15Store your alms in the hearts of the poor, and it will obtain help for you against all evil16Better than the shield or the lance of a powerful man17it will fight for you against your enemy18A good man offers credit for the sake of his neighbor. But one who abandons him to himself will perish in shame19You should not forget the kindness of your benefactor. For he has offered his life on your behalf20The sinner and the unclean flee from such promises21A sinner attributes to himself the goods of his loan. And an ungrateful mind will abandon the one who has freed him22A man offers credit to his neighbor. But when he will have lost respect, he will abandon him23A wicked promise has destroyed many who had good intentions, and has tossed them like a wave on the ocean24It has caused powerful men to travel around, and they have wandered amid foreign nations25A sinner transgressing the commandment of the Lord will fall into a wicked promise. And he who undertakes many things will fall into judgment26Help your neighbor to recover according to your ability, but attend to yourself, lest you also fall27The primary need in a man’s life is water and bread, and clothing, and a house to protect modesty28A pauper’s food under a roof of boards is better than a splendid feast on a sojourn away from home29Let yourself be pleased with little instead of much, and you will not hear the reproach of being away from home30It is a wicked life to go from house to house as a guest. For wherever he is a guest, he will not act confidently, nor open his mouth31He will entertain, and feed, and give drink to the ungrateful, and beyond this, he will listen to bitter words32"Go, my guest, and set the table, and let others eat from what you have in your hand.33"Depart from the honored face of my friends. For it has become necessary for my house to host my brother instead.34These things are grievous to a man having understanding: to take advantage of a household, and to reproach a lender
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