Read & explore together
Lend faithfully and keep generosity alive despite fraud
Sirach 29:1–13 teaches about lending, repayment, fraud and almsgiving. The passage is realistic about the trouble loans can bring, yet it still urges patient generosity, especially toward a person in need.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
In this wisdom passage from the Catholic additional books, the writer speaks directly with commands and observations. The verses move from mercy in lending, to the duty of repayment, to the pain caused by dishonest borrowers, and then back to helping the poor for the sake of God’s commandments.
Sirach 29:1–13Main takeaway
This passage teaches that fraud is real, yet God-honouring generosity toward those in need should still be practised with faithfulness.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Mercy and lending belong togetherThe passage opens by linking mercy, lending and obedience. To lend to a neighbour in need is described as showing mercy, and strengthening that person is connected with keeping the commandments.
Explanation
The passage opens by linking mercy, lending and obedience. To lend to a neighbour in need is described as showing mercy, and strengthening that person is connected with keeping the commandments. The other side is also clear: the neighbour who borrows should repay on time and keep his word faithfully.
02The passage names the problem of dishonest borrowingSirach does not pretend every loan goes well. Some borrowers treat a loan like free money.
Explanation
Sirach does not pretend every loan goes well. Some borrowers treat a loan like free money. Before receiving it, they act humble, but when payment is due they delay, make excuses and complain. The result can be partial repayment, loss, insults and broken relationships between people who should have honoured one another.
03Fraud can make people pull backThe writer recognises a real effect of deception: many stop helping because they fear being cheated.
Explanation
The writer recognises a real effect of deception: many stop helping because they fear being cheated. That observation matters because it explains why generosity can grow cold. The text does not deny the fear. Instead, it prepares for a call to patience that does not ignore need simply because fraud exists.
04Help the poor as treasure before GodThe final verses turn strongly toward generous care for the poor. A needy person should not be sent away empty.
Explanation
The final verses turn strongly toward generous care for the poor. A needy person should not be sent away empty. Money given for a brother, friend or poor person is presented as better used in obedience to the Most High than hidden away. Almsgiving is pictured as stored treasure and strong protection.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01How does Sirach connect lending with mercy and obedience at the start of the passage?
Look at the opening commands and descriptions to see how helping a neighbour is tied to keeping the commandments and to faithful repayment.
02What repeated behaviours show that some borrowers were acting dishonestly?
Notice the change between how they act before receiving money and how they behave when payment is due.
03After describing fraud, what reasons does the passage give for still helping the poor?
Read the final verses for the commands about alms and the pictures of treasure, profit and protection.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Sirach 29:1–13
1He who shows mercy will lend to his neighbor. He who strengthens him with his hand keeps the commandments.
2Lend to your neighbor in time of his need. Repay your neighbor on time.
3Confirm your word, and keep faith with him; and at all seasons you will find what you need.
4Many have considered a loan to be a windfall, and have given trouble to those who helped them.
5Until 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 will prolong the time, return excuses, and complain about the season.
6If 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.
7Many on account of fraud have turned away. They are afraid of being defrauded for nothing.
8However be patient with a man in poor estate. Don’t keep him waiting for your alms.
9Help a poor man for the commandment’s sake. According to his need don’t send him empty away.
10Lose your money for a brother and a friend. Don’t let it rust under a stone and be lost.
11Allocate your treasure according to the commandments of the Most High and it will profit you more than gold.
12Store up almsgiving in your store-chambers and it will deliver you out of all affliction.
13It will fight for you against your enemy better than a mighty shield and a ponderous spear.