Deuteronomy 15:7–18

^7*“If in any of the towns in the land that the Lord your God is giving you there is a fellow-Israelite in need, then do not be selfish and refuse to help him. ^8*Instead, be generous and lend him as much as he needs. ⁹Do not refuse to lend him something, just because the year when debts are cancelled is near. Do not let such an evil thought enter your mind. If you refuse to make the loan, he will cry out to the Lord against you, and you will be held guilty. ¹⁰Give to him freely and unselfishly, and the Lord will bless you in everything you do. ^11*There will always be some Israelites who are poor and in need, and so I command you to be generous to them.

The Treatment of Slaves

^12*“If a fellow-Israelite sells himself or herself^m to you as a slave, you are to release them after they have served you for six years. When the seventh year comes, you must let them go free. ^13*When you set them free, do not send them away empty-handed. ^14*Give to them generously from what the Lord has blessed you with—sheep, corn, and wine. ^15*Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God set you free; that is why I am now giving you this command.

^16*“But your slave may not want to leave; he may love you and your family and be content to stay. ^17*Then take him to the door of your house and there pierce his ear; he will then be your slave for life. Treat your female slave in the same way. ^18*Do not be resentful when you set a slave free; after all, the slave has served you for six years at half the cost of a hired servant.ⁿ Do this, and the Lord your God will bless you in all that you do.