Loans to the Poor

^35 (A)If any Israelites living near you become poor and cannot support themselves, you must provide for them as you would for a hired worker, so that they can continue to live near you. ³⁶ Do not charge Israelites any interest, but obey God and let them live near you. ^37 (B)Do not make them pay interest on the money you lend them, and do not make a profit on the food you sell them. ³⁸ This is the command of the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt in order to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.

^7 (A)“If in any of the towns in the land that the Lord your God is giving you there are Israelites in need, then do not be selfish and refuse to help them. ⁸ Instead, be generous and lend them as much as they need. ⁹ Do not refuse to lend them something, just because the year when debts are canceled is near. Do not let such an evil thought enter your mind. If you refuse to make the loan, they will cry out to the Lord against you, and you will be held guilty. ¹⁰ Give to them freely and unselfishly, and the Lord will bless you in everything you do. ^11 (B)There will always be some Israelites who are poor and in need, and so I command you to be generous to them.

^19 (A)“Each year bring to the house of the Lord your God the first grain that you harvest.

“Do not cook a young sheep or goat in its mother's milk.

Promises and Instructions

²⁰ “I will send an angel ahead of you to protect you as you travel and to bring you to the place which I have prepared.