Another matter, “you shall not be as a creditor to him,” that is what is written: “One who cares for the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay his reward.” (Proverbs 19:17). To what extent? “A borrower is a servant to a man who lends” (Proverbs 22:7). Another matter, “to the poor who is with you,” there is nothing in the world as harsh as poverty, as it is harsher than all the suffering in the world.
Our Rabbis said: All forms of suffering on one side, and poverty on the other. If it is your wish to know, come and see: When the accuser was denouncing Job to the Holy One blessed be He and saying to Him: ‘You gave him money and children and You protect them, as it is stated: “[Satan answered the Lord…] Have You not sheltered him, his household, and everything that is his?” (Job 1:9-10), and it says: “Is it for nothing that Job reveres God?” (Job 1:9); “however, extend Your hand now”’ (Job 1:11), the Holy One blessed be He said to [Job]: ‘What do you prefer, poverty or suffering?’
Job said to Him: ‘Master of the universe, I accept upon myself all the suffering in the world, but not poverty, for when I go out to the marketplace and I do not have in my possession a peruta with which to purchase, what will I eat?’ After he suffered, what is written? He began railing against the attribute of justice, as it is stated: “If only I could know and find Him” (Job 23:3). Elihu said to him: ‘Why are you shouting?
Did you not say that you do not seek poverty, but rather, suffering? Was it not you who chose the suffering, as it is stated: “Beware, do not turn to injustice, for you have chosen this over poverty”?’ (Job 36:21). Thus, poverty is harsher than all types of suffering. That is why it is stated: “To the poor who is with you.”
The Holy One blessed be He said: ‘Is his poverty not enough, such that you are taking interest from him?’ That is, “to the poor who is with you.”