Sirach 29:1-12
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1 He that is merciful will lend unto his neighbour; and he that strengtheneth his hand keepeth the commandments.
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2 Lend to thy neighbour in time of his need, and pay thou thy neighbour again in due season.
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3 Keep thy word, and deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt always find the thing that is necessary for thee.
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4 Many, when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found, and put them to trouble that helped them.
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5 Till he hath received, he will kiss a man's hand; and for his neighbour's money he will speak submissly: but when he should repay, he will prolong the time, and return words of grief, and complain of the time.
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6 If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half, and he will count as if he had found it: if not, he hath deprived him of his money, and he hath gotten him an enemy without cause: he payeth him with cursings and railings; and for honour he will pay him disgrace.
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7 Many therefore have refused to lend for other men's ill dealing, fearing to be defrauded.
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8 Yet have thou patience with a man in poor estate, and delay not to shew him mercy.
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9 Help the poor for the commandment's sake, and turn him not away because of his poverty.
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10 Lose thy money for thy brother and thy friend, and let it not rust under a stone to be lost.
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11 Lay up thy treasure according to the commandments of the most High, and it shall bring thee more profit than gold.
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12 Shut up alms in thy storehouses: and it shall deliver thee from all affliction.