In the character trait of generosity is included the idea that when selling or buying one should give the other a good price so that he will make a profit. This is especially true when dealing with a poor or wise person, that one should give it even at a price lower than the market value and buy it from him at a very expensive price. If he hires such a person to work for him, he should pay him generously, and it will be considered a great act of charity, as the receiver will not be ashamed. This is in direct contrast to the habits of many wealthy people who when hiring a poor person to work for them, they keep accounts with him as if the employer was poor, and they say that when giving charity we give, but this is business not charity. If only they would understand that this is the greatest charity, for the pauper thinks that he is only taking that which he deserves, and his charity is revealed to the eyes of Hashem.
Included in this idea of generosity is that one should lend one’s tools etc. to other people and not worry about a possible small damage which will be caused, as this is a great good deed, and one should compare the reward for fulfilling a commandment in contrast to the damage caused by it. This is especially true when discussing holy books, that one needs much generosity, not to withhold goodness from its owners and to lend one’s books to anyone who asks, and not to worry about the small damages caused.
Also included is being generous with one’s body, wisdom and advice, to help anyone who asks for help, and not to hold back any goodness when he has the ability to perform it. He should do it with a generous heart whether a lot or a little according to his abilities, for he gives great pleasure to his Creator, and will receive the merited reward.
