1
One who works compassion lends to his neighbor, and one who strengthens him by his hand guards the Commands.
2
Lend to your neighbor in his appointed time of need, and repay your neighbor again at the appointed time.
3
Establish your word and remain trustworthy with him, and in every appointed time you shall find what you need.
4
Many have counted a loan as a found object and caused trouble to those who helped them.
5
Until he receives, he kisses the lender’s hands and humbles his voice concerning his neighbor’s silver. At the appointed time of repayment he prolongs the time, returns wearisome words, and blames the appointed time.
6
If able, the lender scarcely receives half and counts even that as a found object. If not, the borrower has deprived him of his silver and gained him as an enemy without cause. He returns curses and abuse, and gives dishonor in place of splendor.
7
Many refuse, not because of evil, but because they fear being deprived without cause.
8
Nevertheless, be patient with a humble one, and do not keep him waiting for righteous generosity.
9
Because of the Command, help the poor; according to his need, do not send him away empty.
10
Lose silver for a brother and companion, and do not let it rust beneath a stone unto destruction.
11
Place your treasure according to the Commands of El Elyon, and it shall profit you more than gold.
12
Enclose righteous generosity within your storehouses, and it shall deliver you from every affliction.
13
More than a mighty shield and a weighty spear, it shall fight for you against an enemy.
14
A good ish becomes surety for his neighbor, but one who has lost shame abandons him.
15
Do not forget the favors of one who became surety, for he gave his being for you.
16
A sinner overturns the good things of his surety, and one ungrateful in thought abandons his deliverer.
17
Surety has destroyed many who prospered and shaken them like a wave of the sea.
18
It has driven mighty men from home, and they wandered among foreign nations.
19
A sinner falling into surety and pursuing enterprises falls into judgment.
20
Help your neighbor according to your strength, but guard yourself lest you fall.
21
The beginning necessities of life are water and bread, clothing, and a house covering nakedness.
22
Better is the life of a poor man beneath a roof of beams than splendid foods in the house of others.
23
Whether little or great, be content, and you shall not hear the reproach of being a foreign lodger.
24
It is an evil life to move from house to house; wherever you lodge, you cannot open your mouth.
25
You serve food and drink to those without gratitude, and besides these things you hear bitter words:
26
“Come here, foreign lodger, prepare the table, and if anything is in your hand, feed me.”
27
“Go out, foreign lodger, because an honored one has come; my brother is my guest, and I need the house.”
28
These things are heavy to an Adam possessing discernment: the rebuke of a household and the reproach of a lender.