Study Desk

"If there is ^(C1)a poor person among you, one of your brothers, in any of your ^(F1)towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, ^(C2)you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother;

but ^(C1)you shall fully open your hand to him, and generously lend him enough for his need in whatever he lacks.

"Be careful that there is no mean-spirited ^(F1)thought in your heart, ^(F2)such as, '^(C1)The seventh year, the year of release of debts, is near,' and ^(C2)your eye is malicious toward your poor brother, and you give him nothing; then he ^(C3)may cry out to the LORD against you, and it will be a sin in you.

"You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be ^(F1)grudging when you give to him, because ^(C1)for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work, and in all ^(F2)your undertakings.

"^(C1)For the poor will not cease ^(F1)to exist in the land; therefore I am commanding you, saying, 'You shall fully open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.'