The Jewish Wisdom Database

Do not withhold good where it is due, if it be in your power to bestow it!

Who is honored? He that honors mankind.

The begger is hungry and does not know it.

There is no worse death than death by hunger.,

Advice and words will not fill an empty belly.

All Jews are responsible each for the other.

But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream!

Blessed are they that observe justice and do righteousness at all times!

By three things is the world sustained: the Law, the Temple service and deeds of loving kindness.

When there is no truth, there is no kindness.

Lend a man money when he needs it and pay back a loan yourself in time!

Who lends money to the needy free of interest is better than the giver of alms.

Two things will never mix: a good heart and stinginess.

The miser pays double in the end.

If your brother becomes poor, you shall maintain him.

Who closes his ears to the cry of the poor will himself cry out and not be heard.

The poor of your own town should be preferred to those of another.

Help the poor, for you may not know what the day will bring forth, and the wheel revolves!

Any study of the Torah and any prayer unaccompanied by good deeds and repentance void the Torah and make the prayer unwanted.

To ransom prisoners is a splendid act of piety.

Great is almsgiving (repentance) for it brings Redemption nearer.

Better an hour of repentance and good deeds in this world than a lifetime in the world to come.

Riches are kept by their owner to his own hurt.

A rich man may fall seven times and rise again, but the poor falls once only---and forever.

Who declines to endow a scholar with his worldly goods will see no blessing.