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how does this deuteronomic law compare with proverbs' advice on lending or jesus's teachings on generosity?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11

“If there is with you a poor man, one of your brothers, within any of your gates in your land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother; but you shall open your hand wide to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be. Beware that there not be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, “The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand”; and your eye be evil against your poor brother, and you give him nothing; and he cry to Yahweh against you, and it be sin to you. You shall surely give him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him; because for this thing Yahweh your God will bless you in all your work, and in all that you put your hand to. For the poor will never cease out of the land. Therefore I command you, saying, “You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor, in your land.””

This passage is part of Moses' farewell address to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land. It lays out a series of laws for their society, emphasizing justice, compassion, and communal responsibility, especially towards the vulnerable within their midst.

How might a community structured around these expectations of open-handed generosity shape a person's understanding of their own resources and responsibilities?

Then — the setting

This text from Deuteronomy dates to the 7th century BCE, though it presents itself as Moses' words from around the 13th century BCE, given before Israel entered Canaan. It addresses a developing agricultural society where debt could easily lead to destitution and even slavery. The law aims to prevent perpetual poverty by mandating a 'year of release' (every seventh year) where debts were to be canceled, preventing families from falling into permanent generational debt. The command to lend generously and without resentment reflects a societal ideal of communal care among the 'brothers' (fellow Israelites), ensuring that no one among them would suffer extreme poverty.

Across the Testaments

This Deuteronomic law, found in the Old Testament, sets a foundational standard for economic justice and care for the poor within the Israelite community. The New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus, often radicalizes and universalizes these principles. While Deuteronomy emphasizes lending without hardening one's heart, Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:34-36 goes further, suggesting lending 'expecting nothing in return' and urging love for enemies, extending compassion beyond the 'brother' or co-national. Proverbs, also in the Old Testament, offers wisdom on generosity (e.g., Proverbs 19:17, 28:27), often linking it to divine blessing, which aligns with Deuteronomy's promise that 'Yahweh your God will bless you.' The New Testament further develops the idea of cheerful, sacrificial giving (2 Corinthians 9:7) and challenges the wealthy, building on the spirit of Deuteronomy's concern for the vulnerable.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Proverbs 28:27
This proverb connects giving to the poor with lack of want, echoing Deuteronomy's promise of blessing.
Luke 6:34-36
Jesus expands on the concept of lending without expecting repayment, challenging the Deuteronomic instruction to lend, though the Deuteronomic law focuses on lending to the poor rather than all lending.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Paul's instruction on cheerful giving resonates with Deuteronomy's command not to be grieved when giving.

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