Christian Community Bible
Sirach
29
:B:1 Lending to your neighbor is an act of mercy, going to his aid fulfills the commandments.
2 Learn to lend to your neighbor when he is in need and, in turn, repay him any loan on time.
3 Keep your word, remain faithful and you will find what you need on every occasion.
4 Many think of a loan as a quick deal and put those who help them in a fix.
5 The moment they receive it, they kiss the hand of the moneylender and humble themselves in deference to his wealth. But on the day repayment is due, they prolong the time, repay with re proaches and blame the current situation.
6 If they can repay, they pay barely half and the moneylender will be grateful for that much. They have robbed him of his money and, moreover, he has gained enemies, for they repay him with curses and insults and reproaches instead of gratitude.
7 Many a good person refuses to lend, not for any malicious reason: he is afraid of being cheated without cause.
8 Nevertheless, be kind to those who have fallen on hard times, do not keep them waiting for your help.
9 For the commandments sake, help the poor man
10 Better to spend your money on a brother or friend than to let it rust under a stone, to your discredit.
11 Use your money according to the commandments of the Most High and you will find it more valuable than gold.
12 Fill your barns with good deeds and these will rescue you from mis fortune. 13 They will fight for you against your enemy better than any strong shield and mighty spear.
14 A good man goes surety for his neighbor
15 Do not forget the favors of your guarantor: he has risked his life for you.
16 The sinner wastes his guaran tors money
19 The sinner is anxious to be a guarantor but he will be condemned as a loan shark.
20 Help your neighbor as far as you can but beware of falling into the same plight.
21 Some things you cannot live without: water, bread, clothes and a house for shelter.
22 Better a poor mans life in his wooden shack than lavish banquets in another mans house.
23 Be content with whatever you have, be it great or small
24 It is hard to go from house to house
27 Be off, stranger, make room for somebody more important
28 It is hard for a good man to have hospitality denied him and to be treated like a debtor.
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