6 Do not take a pair of millstones-not even the upper one-as security for a debt, because that would be taking a person's livelihood as security.
6 No man shall take the nether or the upper millstone to pledge: for he taketh a man's life to pledge.
6 "No one shall take a mill or an upper millstone in pledge, for that would be taking a life in pledge.
6 Don't seize a handmill or an upper millstone as collateral for a loan. You'd be seizing someone's very life.
6 "No man shall take the lower or the upper millstone in pledge, for he takes one's living in pledge.
6 "It is wrong to take a set of millstones, or even just the upper millstone, as security for a loan, for the owner uses it to make a living.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:6
Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:5-13
(Read Deuteronomy 24:5-13)
It is of great consequence that love be kept up between husband and wife; that they carefully avoid every thing which might make them strange one to another. Man-stealing was a capital crime, which could not be settled, as other thefts, by restitution. The laws concerning leprosy must be carefully observed. Thus all who feel their consciences under guilt and wrath, must not cover it, or endeavour to shake off their convictions; but by repentance, and prayer, and humble confession, take the way to peace and pardon. Some orders are given about pledges for money lent. This teaches us to consult the comfort and subsistence of others, as much as our own advantage. Let the poor debtor sleep in his own raiment, and praise God for thy kindness to him. Poor debtors ought to feel more than commonly they do, the goodness of creditors who do not take all the advantage of the law against them, nor should this ever be looked upon as weakness.