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Be generous to these poor people, and freely lend them as much as they need. Never be hard-hearted and tight-fisted with them.[a]

When the seventh year—the year when payments on debts are canceled—is near, you might be stingy toward poor Israelites and give them nothing. Be careful not to think these worthless thoughts. The poor will complain to Yahweh about you, and you will be condemned for your sin. 10 Be sure to give to them without any hesitation. When you do this, Yahweh your Elohim will bless you in everything you work for and set out to do.

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Footnotes

  1. Deuteronomy 15:8 This sentence has been moved from verse 7 to express the complex Hebrew sentence structure more clearly in English.

Rather, be openhanded(A) and freely lend them whatever they need. Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts,(B) is near,” so that you do not show ill will(C) toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the Lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin.(D) 10 Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart;(E) then because of this the Lord your God will bless(F) you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

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