^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.

¹⁷ When you give to the poor, it is like lending to the Lord, and the Lord will pay you back.

Giving to the Poor

³⁰ Giving to the poor can make up for sin, just as water can put out a blazing fire. ³¹ Anyone who responds to others with acts of kindness is thinking of the future, because he will find help if he ever falls on hard times. 4 ¹ My child, don't prevent the poor from making a living, or keep them waiting in their need. ² Never give a hungry person any cause for resentment or anger. ³ Don't add to the troubles of someone who is already desperate. If he is in need, don't put off giving to him. ^4-5 Don't refuse to help a beggar who is in distress. Don't turn your back on a poor person or give him any reason to curse you. ⁶ If he becomes so bitter that he does curse you, his Creator will hear his prayer.

¹⁷ If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God?