35 ' Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means with regard to you falter , then you are to sustain him, like a stranger or a sojourner , that he may live with you. 36 ' Do not take usurious interest from him, but revere your God , that your countryman may live with you. 37 'You shall not give him your silver at interest , nor your food for gain . 38 ' I am the Lord your God , who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to 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.