The In-Dept Study of the Bible
Ecclesiaticus 29
1 He who shows mercy will lend to his
neighbor. He who streng then shim with his hand
keeps the commandments.
2 Lend to your neighbor in time of his need.
Repay your neighbor on time.
3 Confirm your word, and keep faith with
him; and at all seasons you will find what
you need.
4 Many have considered a loan to be a
windfall, and have given trouble to those who
helped them.
5 Until he has received, he will kiss a man’s
hands. For his neighbor’s money he will
speak submissively. Then when payment is due,
he willprolong the time, return excuses,
and complain about the season.
6 If he prevails, the creditor will hardly
receive half; and he will count it as a windfall.
If not, he has deprived him of his money,
and he has gotten him for an enemy
without cause. He will pay him with
cursing and railing. Instead of honor,
he will pay him disgrace.
7 Many on account of fraud have turned
away. They are afraid of being defrauded for
nothing.
8 However be patient with a man in poor
estate. Don’t keep him waiting for your alms.
9 Help a poor man for the commandment’s
sake. According to his need don’t send him
empty away.
10 Lose your money for a brother and a
friend. Don’t let it rust under a stone
and be lost.
11 Allocate your treasure according to the
commandments of the Most High
and it will profit you more than gold.
12 Store up almsgiving in your storechambers
and it will deliver you out of all affliction.
13 It will fight for you against your enemy
better than a mighty shield and a ponderous spear.
14 A good man will be surety for his neighbor.
He who has lost shame will fail him.
15 Don’t forget the kindness of your guarantor,
for he has given his life for you.
16 A sinner will waste the property of his
guarantor.
17 He who is thankless will fail him
who delivered him.
18 Being surety has undone many who
were prospering and shaken them as a wave of the sea.
It has driven mighty men from their homes.
They wandered among foreign nations.
19 A sinner who falls into suretiship and
undertakes contracts for work will
fall into lawsuits.
20 Help your neighbor according to your
power, and be careful not to fall yourself.
21 The essentials of life are water, bread,
a garment, and a house for privacy.
22 Better is the life of a poor man under a
shelter of logs than sumptuous fare in
another man’s house.
23 With little or with much, be well satisfied.†
24 It is a miserable life to go from house to
house. Where you are a guest, you dare not
open your mouth.
25 You will entertain, serve drinks, and
have no thanks. In addition to this,
you will hear bitter words.
26 “Come here, you sojourner, set a table,
and if youhave anything inyourhand,
feed me with it.”
27 “Leave, you sojourner, for an honored
guest is here. My brother has come to
be my guest. I need my house.”
28 These things are grievous to a man of
understanding: The scolding about
lodging and the insults of creditors.