If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
25. If thou lend money to any of my people Humanity ought to be very greatly regarded in the matter of loans, especially when a person, being reduced to extremities, implores a rich man’s compassion; for this is, in. point of fact, the genuine trial of our charity, when, in accordance with Christ’s precept, we lend to those of whom we expect no return.
Do not charge interest to the poor who borrow by necessity; but show mercy to those you might exploit, and share loss as well as profit with them. Do not strip a poor man of his bedclothes for a debt, but return them by nightfall so he has something to lie on. Those who sleep warm ought to consider the hard lodgings of the poor and refuse to make their suffering worse.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 22:25-31
For that is his covering only,.... All that he has to cover him, the only covering he has when he lies down to sleep; and therefore should be restored to him by the time of sunset, at which time he returns from his labour; and after some refreshment retires to his bed for rest, when his covering will be necessary: it is his raiment for...