Laws Protecting the Vulnerable

21 “You must not exploit a resident alien(A) or oppress him, since you were resident aliens in the land of Egypt.

22 “You must not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.(B) 23 If you do mistreat them, they will no doubt cry to me, and I will certainly hear their cry.(C) 24 My anger will burn, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will be widows and your children fatherless.(D)

25 “If you lend silver to my people, to the poor person among you, you must not be like a creditor to him; you must not charge him interest.(E)

26 “If you ever take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him before sunset. 27 For it is his only covering; it is the clothing for his body.[a] What will he sleep in? And if he cries out to me, I will listen because I am gracious.(F)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 22:27 Lit skin

21 “You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.

22 “You must not exploit a widow or an orphan. 23 If you exploit them in any way and they cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry. 24 My anger will blaze against you, and I will kill you with the sword. Then your wives will be widows and your children fatherless.

25 “If you lend money to any of my people who are in need, do not charge interest as a money lender would. 26 If you take your neighbor’s cloak as security for a loan, you must return it before sunset. 27 This coat may be the only blanket your neighbor has. How can a person sleep without it? If you do not return it and your neighbor cries out to me for help, then I will hear, for I am merciful.

Read full chapter