35 And if your brother becomes poor and is not able to make a living, then you are to keep him with you, helping him as you would a man from another country who is living among you. 36 Take no interest from him, in money or in goods, but have the fear of your God before you, and let your brother make a living among you. 37 Do not take interest on the money which you let him have or on the food which you give him. 38 I am the Lord your God, who took you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan, that I might be your God.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 25:35-38
Commentary on Leviticus 25:35-38
(Read Leviticus 25:35-38)
Poverty and decay are great grievances, and very common; the poor ye have always with you. Thou shalt relieve him; by sympathy, pitying the poor; by service, doing for them; and by supply, giving to them according to their necessity, and thine ability. Poor debtors must not be oppressed. Observe the arguments here used against extortion: "Fear thy God." Relieve the poor, "that they may live with thee;" for they may be serviceable to thee. The rich can as ill spare the poor, as the poor can the rich. It becomes those that have received mercy to show mercy.