Laws Concerning Preservation of Life

22:1 When you see1 your neighbor’s2 ox or sheep going astray, do not ignore it;3 you must return it without fail4 to your neighbor. 22:2 If the owner5 does not live6 near you or you do not know who the owner is,7 then you must corral the animal8 at your house and let it stay with you until the owner looks for it; then you must return it to him. 22:3 You shall do the same to his donkey, his clothes, or anything else your neighbor9 has lost and you have found; you must not refuse to get involved.10 22:4 When you see11 your neighbor’s donkey or ox fallen along the road, do not ignore it;12 instead, you must be sure13 to help him get the animal on its feet again.14

22:5 A woman must not wear men’s clothing,15 nor should a man dress up in women’s clothing, for anyone who does this is offensive16 to the Lord your God.

22:6 If you happen to notice a bird’s nest along the road, whether in a tree or on the ground, and there are chicks or eggs with the mother bird sitting on them,17 you must not take the mother from the young.18 22:7 You must be sure19 to let the mother go, but you may take the young for yourself. Do this so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life.

22:8 If you build a new house, you must construct a guard rail20 around your roof to avoid being culpable21 in the event someone should fall from it.