Preface – 12

Another positive commandment that one is likely to violate by refraining to give a loan is the commandment of: Show them the path they must take (Shemos 18:20), which the Sages teach refers to doing acts of kindness. Since Scripture writes “the path,” using the definite article prefix, yet it does not specify which path this is, it is likely referring to the well-beaten path which our first forefather, Avraham, tread upon — and his whole life revolved around the attribute of chessed-kindness. Thus, the phrase, Show them the path they must take encompasses all aspects of kindness that exist between people—including lending money.